International Breweries Plc, a subsidiary of AB InBev, has reaffirmed its commitment to local sourcing while celebrating farmers, aggregators, development partners, and government stakeholders for their contributions to Nigeria’s food system and economic growth.
According to a statement, the brewer of Trophy Lager, Hero Lager, Castle Lite, and Budweiser made this known at its stakeholder symposium tagged ‘Cheers to Farmers’ in Lagos.
The event highlighted the importance of agriculture to the brewing industry and Nigeria’s wider economy.
Managing Director of International Breweries Plc, Carlos Coutiño, noted that the company’s progress depended on the efforts of local farmers.
He said, “Our beer is only as good as the people who 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.”
The Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Jumoke Oduwole, represented by Samaila Dauda, applauded the initiative as a boost to backwards integration and rural development.
Dauda stated, “This symposium is a powerful reminder of the crucial link between industry and agriculture in building an inclusive and sustainable economy. By sourcing raw materials locally, industries like yours are empowering farmers, boosting agro processing, reducing import dependence, and creating shared prosperity across communities.”
Also speaking, the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Sen. Abubakar Kyari, represented by a director in the ministry, Iwara Edet, praised the brewer’s sourcing strategy.
He said, “International Breweries’ commitment to sourcing locally is commendable. They’re proving that agriculture is not just viable but vital for sustainable industrial development.”
Panel discussions at the event focused on ‘Farm to Bottle: Strengthening Nigeria’s Agricultural Value Chain through Local Sourcing.’ The session featured a showcase of sorghum, maize, and rice sourced locally for brewing.
Chief Executive Officer of Nikoy Nigeria Limited, Oyedele O.O., one of the firm’s pioneer aggregators, said the partnership with IBPLC had transformed the livelihoods of many farmers.
He explained, “One significant effect of this is that the farmers can benefit economically through the increased and sustained patronage of International Breweries.
“Some peasant farmers have even been able to sponsor their children to school, and today, many of them now have educated children who are professionals contributing to national development.”
A sorghum farmer from Kaduna, Abubakar Kabiru, also shared his experience: “Working with IBPLC has changed my story. Before IBPLC came into our lives, many of us struggled to find markets for our produce. Today, we farm with confidence, knowing that our efforts are valued.”
The symposium attracted representatives from the Federal Ministry of Agriculture, the Federal Ministry of Trade and Investment, farmer cooperatives, aggregators, development partners, and international organisations such as the International Institute for Tropical Agriculture.
International Breweries said the initiative aligns with AB InBev’s vision of building a sustainable future through local content, rural empowerment, and community-focused agribusiness.
