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International Breweries To Train 500 Young Entrepreneurs Through Kickstart Initiative

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Kickstart Initiative - Investorsking

As part of its commitment to bringing people together for a better world and its objective of delivering impactful, developmental and sustainable projects, International Breweries Plc through its social investment arm, International Breweries Foundation has launched the 6th edition of its Kickstart entrepreneurship programme recently.

The initiative is targeted at enterprise growth and development for young entrepreneurs between the ages of 18 and 35.

During a media briefing to update the public on the process of this year’s edition, Managing Director, International Breweries Plc, Hugo Rocha expressed delight that the Kickstart Initiative had evolved from the regional programme it used to be, to an inclusive national programme that reaches the six geopolitical zones and 36 states of Nigeria.

“Over the years, we have held the conviction that the energy, zeal, and brilliance of the youths of Nigeria who constitute about 70 percent of the total population should be tapped and channelled to productive use. This is the logic behind Kickstart – to promote a culture of entrepreneurship among young people through training, provision of capital and mentorship,” Rocha said.

Rocha concluded his remarks on a high note, stating that, “as International Breweries celebrates its 50th Anniversary this year, I am pleased that the results of a 3-year impact assessment study that we commissioned on Kickstart came out positive and gives us the confidence to continue to support young people to achieve their dream of entrepreneurship. We remain steadfast in our commitment towards the economic development of Nigeria”

Also speaking at the press conference, Chairman, Advisory Board, International Breweries Foundation, Peter Bamkole explained that International Breweries Plc and its foundation is dedicated to continuing to contribute its quota towards tackling the twin challenges of unemployment and poverty while promoting Decent Work and Economic Growth in line with Goad 8 of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (UNSDGs).

“By creating Kickstart, International Breweries Foundation set out to be the nursery of innovation in a business where budding enterprise managers are groomed—held by the hand and taken through the rigour of entrepreneurial work. We aim to produce well-rounded entrepreneurs who understand and are prepared to put in the work it takes to do business successfully in a unique climate like ours.” Bamkole said.

Over the past five years, the Kickstart initiative has provided training, mentoring, and seed capital of N325,136 million (in total) for 274 grantees; 708 direct beneficiaries and 2,832 indirect beneficiaries across a wide range of business sectors; with the result of the creation of about 571 jobs and 1,392 new jobs projected across the six geopolitical zones of Nigeria.

Speaking on the mechanics of the award, Legal and Corporate Affairs Director, International Breweries Plc, Temitope Oguntokun revealed that the award is in three phases: the application phase, the training phase and the pitch fest phase which is the final selection of grantees by judges.

She explained that the Kickstart Initiative will be incorporating an expansive training module that will train 500 young entrepreneurs online, with a number of them going into the bootcamp. This year’s edition also features a streamlined search for entrepreneurs into Agriculture, Modular Retailing, Circular Packaging (Recycling), Technology, and Renewable Energy sectors.

“After a transparent selection process on the Enterprise Development Centre (EDC) platform via the link, https://reg.smetoolkit.ng/program-apply/kickstart-nigeria-2021, which will open on the 20th of May, successful applicants will be equipped with critical skills and training on entrepreneurship by experienced entrepreneurs and corporate professionals during a 2-day boot camp. They will partake at the pitch fest where a panel of judges will appraise their proposals before final selection. Winners of the pitch fest will then be awarded grants at the awards ceremony in Lagos,” Oguntokun noted.

The press launch which held last week in Lagos had in attendance dignitaries such as the Director for Employment, Lagos State Ministry of Wealth Creation and Employment, Mrs Iyabo Seriki-Bello, Director of Partnerships and Coordination for Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria; Dr Friday Okpara; Chairman, Advisory Board, International Breweries Foundation, Mr Peter Bamkole; members of the International Breweries team, past Kickstart Alumni, mentors and a host of others joining online.

Following its trajectory of success, impact over the years, and its extensive yet immersive plans for the 6th edition, Kickstart, under the auspices of International Breweries and its foundation is geared towards transforming Nigeria into an economic powerhouse through the impact of entrepreneurship.

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Chivita Crowned “Outstanding Juice Brand of the Decade” at MarketingEdge Excellence Awards

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Chivita Active Zest- Investors King

Chivita, Nigeria’s beloved fruit juice brand, emerged victorious as it clinched the highly sought-after title of “Outstanding Juice Brand of the Decade” at the esteemed MarketingEdge Brand and Advertising Excellence Awards.

The prestigious award ceremony, held recently, celebrated Chivita’s remarkable journey to becoming a beacon of excellence in the Nigerian fruit juice market over the past ten years.

The recognition underscores Chivita’s unwavering commitment to superior quality, innovation, strategic engagement, and unswerving dedication to consumer satisfaction.

The organizers of the MarketingEdge Brand and Advertising Excellence Award heaped praise on Chivita for its unparalleled contribution to the juice industry. In their words, this award is a testament to Chivita’s transformation into the gold standard for premium quality fruit juices in Nigeria.

“We also know that Chivita has been at the forefront of enlightening the public and promoting the benefit of daily fruit juice consumption for everyday wellness for over forty years, ensuring that everyone has a Chivita. This has not gone unnoticed,” they noted.

Mrs. Toyin Nnodi, the Marketing Director of CHI Limited, the parent company of Chivita, expressed her gratitude to the award organizers and the brand’s loyal consumers. She highlighted the relentless pursuit of innovation and the commitment to producing high-quality products as the driving force behind Chivita’s success.

“At CHI Limited, we have dedicated years of innovation and commitment to high-quality products with the ultimate goal of consumer preference and satisfaction. The ‘Outstanding Fruit Juice Brand of the Decade’ award to Chivita is proof that our efforts are appreciated by consumers,” she stated.

Chivita’s product lineup includes a wide range of fruit juices, juice nectars, and fruit-flavored drinks, such as Chivita 100%, Chi Exotic, Chivita Active, Chivita Ice Tea, Chivita Happy Hour, and Chivita Smart Malt. These offerings come in a variety of variants and different pack sizes and packaging formats, catering to the diverse desires of consumers for healthy and great-tasting juices.

As Chivita basks in the glory of this remarkable achievement, it continues to stand as a testament to the power of unwavering dedication to quality, innovation, and consumer satisfaction. The brand’s journey to becoming Nigeria’s outstanding juice brand of the decade is indeed a story of resilience, excellence, and an unyielding commitment to providing refreshing moments to every Nigerian, one Chivita at a time.

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Dangote Group Reigns Supreme as Nigeria’s Most Valuable Brand

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The Dangote Group has proudly asserted its position as Nigeria’s most valuable brand, achieving a remarkable aggregate score of 86.2 percent on the Brand Strength Measurement (BSM) Index, a meticulous evaluation conducted by Top 50 Brands Nigeria as part of its comprehensive 2023 Top Brand Perception Assessment.

During a much-anticipated media briefing held in Lagos on Wednesday to unveil the 2023 Top 50 Brands Nigeria list, the organization lauded Dangote for its unwavering commitment to excellence, which has solidified its stature as a premier brand within the nation.

The conglomerate revealed that MTN, a formidable contender in the market, secured a closely contested second place, boasting an impressive 85 BSM index score.

This year’s rankings saw Airtel Nigeria and Globacom securing the third and fourth positions, both earning significant BSM index scores of 77.9 and 77, respectively.

BUA Group made its inaugural appearance in the Top 10, capturing the attention of industry observers with a noteworthy BSM Index score of 70.8.

The illustrious list of the Top 10 brands further includes Access Bank, Zenith Bank, Coca-Cola, GTCO, and First Bank, each of which has maintained its exceptional reputation and resonance within the Nigerian market.

Commenting on the outcomes of this year’s assessment, Taiwo Oluboyede, CEO of Top 50 Brands Nigeria, said, “A brand is akin to a person, embodying all the traits that define its personality to the audience. When you hear a person’s name, you’re likely not merely recalling their appearance or attire, but rather who they genuinely are and the significance they hold for you.”

Oluboyede continued, “One may profess to be the best in the world and may even invest in extensive advertising to attract attention. However, the true perception of that individual is ultimately shaped by one’s personal experience. Likewise, the perception of a brand can evolve from favor to disfavor, or vice versa. This dynamic holds true for both individuals and brands alike.”

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SnackFix From Bühler Adds Value to Local Grains in Nigeria and Boosts Food Security

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SnackFix - Bühler

The SnackFix small-scale cereal bar production system from Swiss technology group Bühler is the ideal solution for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to add value to locally produced grains in Nigeria and assist the country to address food security, says Manuel Murrenhoff, Managing Director, Bühler Nigeria.

On-the-go snacking consumption in Nigeria is rising steadily, presenting opportunities for SMEs to enter the market. “In terms of bars, fruit, and sweet snacks alone, this market segment is expected to exceed half a million tonnes by 2025,” says Murrenhoff. The main driver is the burgeoning population, estimated at 223.8 million in 2023, a 2.41% increase over 2022, and expected to grow to 377 million by 2050.

“The economically active part of the Nigerian population is quite sizeable and very mobile, which is boosting on-the-go snacking consumption,” says Murrenhoff. In addition, with half of the population living below the poverty line, there is more than ever the need to drive consumption of the full range of locally grown grains to keep final product prices in check.

“With the price of wheat projected to rise to record heights, Nigeria cannot possibly feed the growing population by importing wheat and other products. On the one hand, there is a shortage of forex and on the other hand, prices are escalating globally. That is where innovation, using local grains, plays an important role in food security, especially as these can be successfully incorporated into ready-to-eat foods,” says Murrenhoff.

Iyore Amadasun, Sales and Channel Business Manager at Bühler Nigeria, says that Bühler’s Snackfix, designed for food producers seeking a share from the on-the-go snack segment, promotes the processing of locally sourced grains for snacks while maintaining the highest food safety standards.

SnackFix is a multi-grain solution that allows SMEs to innovate across the spectrum of locally produced grains in Nigeria. The technology presents an entry-level, plug-and-play solution that is compact, cost-effective, and easy to commission and operate.

SnackFix includes a continuous mixer, a cooling tunnel, and a cutting system, all in one – everything needed for quality production. The combination allows SMEs to manufacture a huge variety of cereal bars at a volume of up to 130 kg per hour.

Customers benefit from Bühler’s experience in product development using a wide range of locally produced grains including, for example, sesame seeds, cashews, and peanuts. “We can help newcomers in the market achieve the best recipe to satisfy functional and indulgence consumer requirements in this segment and then supply them with a customised solution,” says Amadasun. In addition, Bühler has an innovation centre and laboratory in Switzerland to assist with different formulations and product development.

“The ready-to-eat market is of strategic importance to Nigeria, as it can adapt local grains for snacking consumption, promote healthy eating habits, and at the same time assist with Food Security,” says Amadasun.

With offices in Lagos and Kano, Bühler Nigeria is a leader in grain and food processing and offers solutions for grain drying and storage, flour milling, rice milling, cacao and chocolate processing, wafer and biscuit, pasta and noodles, feed, and aqua feed milling. Bühler Nigeria also provides support in the form of solutions for ink and coating applications and flexible packaging systems.

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