Local sourcing of raw materials has been identified as an important component,which does not only fuels brewing but also supports livelihoods, strengthens ruraleconomies, and advances national food security.
This was the position of the International Breweries Plc (IBPLC), producers of Trophy Lager, Trophy Extra Stout and others, during a symposium tagged: “Cheers to Farmers,” held in Lagos to appreciate farmers.
The event was dedicated to celebrating the importance and contributions of farmers, aggregators, development partners, and public sector stakeholders who play a pivotal role in sustaining Nigeria’s food system and driving economic growth.
This gathering brought together key stakeholders from the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Federal Ministry of Trade and Investment, other government agencies to farmers, farmers’ cooperatives, aggregators, and international organisations, like the International Institute for Tropical Agriculture (IITA), to affirmtheir shared vision for sustainable agriculture and value chain development.
More than just a corporate gathering, the symposium underscored the critical relationship between agriculture and industries – such as brewers.
In his opening speech, the Managing Director of IBPLC, Carlos Coutiño, lauded the role of farmers in its ecosystem.
According to him, “our beer is only as good as the peoplewho grow what we brew. At International Breweries, we believe in brewing a better world and that starts with our growers. This session is about recognising your contribution, but more importantly, it’s about strengthening a partnership that is building rural economies and transforming lives.”
In a goodwill message, the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, represented bySamaila Dauda, praised the initiative as “a powerful reminder of the crucial link between industry and agriculture.”
He commended IBPLC’s leadership in advancing Nigeria’s backward integration policy through increased local sourcing, agro-industrial partnerships, and MSM
ble but vital for sustainable industrial development. Their approach is proof that private sector actors can be powerfulenablers of agricultural development. Their local sourcing framework is supporting sustainable, community-focused agribusiness.”
The symposium also featured panel discussions, with the theme: “Farm to Bottle: Strengthening Nigeria’s Agricultural Value Chain through Local Sourcing,” a brewing-ingredients’ showcase (highlighting locally sourced sorghum, maize, and rice), and asymbolic “Moment of Cheers” with Trophy Lager.
The CEO of Nikoy Nigeria Ltd, one of IBPLC’s pioneer aggregators, Oyedele O.O explained the impact of IBPLC’s local sourcing initiative. “Our company has the privilegeof being one of the first set of millers to partner with International Breweries plc, when they started the local sourcing programme.
Since then, their local raw materials usagehas continued to grow.”
