International Breweries Plc (IBPLC), a proud part of AB InBev – the world’s largest brewer – and producer of Trophy Lager, Trophy Extra Stout, Hero Lager, Castle Lite, and Budweiser, recently convened a symposium tagged “Cheers to 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. More than just a corporate gathering, the symposium underscored the critical relationship between agriculture and industries – such as brewers, highlighting how local sourcing not only fuels brewing but also supports livelihoods, strengthens rural economies, and advances national food security.
Highlighting the crucial role farmers play in the brewing process and Nigeria’s economy: Managing Director of International Breweries Plc, Carlos Coutiño, in his opening statement, recognized the role of farmers in its ecosystem, According to him, “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.”
This unique gathering brought together key stakeholders from the Federal Ministry of Agriculture, Federal Ministry of Trade and Investment, other government agencies to farmers, farmer cooperatives, aggregators, and international organisations like the International Institute for Tropical Agriculture (IITA) to affirm their shared vision for sustainable agriculture and value chain development.
In a goodwill message, the Honourable Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, represented by Samaila 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 MSME support.
In his words “Let me begin by commending International Breweries Plc, for this commendable initiative that recognizes and celebrates the vital contributions of farmers and agricultural value chain actors. This symposium is a celebration and a powerful reminder of the crucial link between industry and agriculture in building an inclusive and sustainable economy.
The Ministry is particularly pleased with the emphasis on local sourcing in brewing, which aligns strongly with our national agenda of backward integration, rural industrialization, and MSME support. By sourcing raw materials locally, industries like yours are empowering farmers, boosting agro processing, reducing import dependence, and creating shared prosperity across communities. International Breweries Plc has demonstrated leadership not only in business growth but also in corporate citizenship, employment creation, and investment in local content, and we salute your efforts for that”
The Honourable Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, represented by Iwara Edet, a Director at the Ministry, appreciated the company’s approach to sourcing. “International Breweries’ commitment to sourcing local is commendable. They’re proving that agriculture is not just viable but vital for sustainable industrial development. Their approach is proof that private sector actors can be powerful enablers of agricultural development. Their local sourcing framework is supporting sustainable, community-focused agribusiness.”
The event featured panel discussions, themed “Farm to Bottle: Strengthening Nigeria’s
Agricultural Value Chain through Local Sourcing”, a brewing-ingredients’ showcase (highlighting locally sourced sorghum, maize, and rice), and a symbolic “Moment of Cheers” with Trophy Lager.
Oyedele O.O. CEO of Nikoy Nigeria Ltd, one of IBPLC’s pioneer aggregators explained the impact of IBPLC’s local sourcing initiative. According to him, “our company has the privilege of 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 usage has continued to grow”
Continuing, Oyedele said “One significant effect of this is that, the farmers are able to benefit economically through the increased and sustained patronage of International Breweries. Interestingly, some of them, though peasant farmers, have been able to meet their daily financial obligations, including being able to sponsor their children to school. Today, many of them now have educated children and even professionals in different fields and contributing their own quota to the growth and development of our country Nigeria”.
Farmers also had their moment in the spotlight.
Malam Abubakar Kabiru, a sorghum farmer from Kaduna, shared how working within the IBPLC aggregator network changed his story “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 support we’ve received has helped improve our livelihoods and given hope to our communities”
The Cheers to Farmers symposium brought together a wide range of stakeholders, including farmers, aggregators, government representatives, development partners, and retailers, reflecting the strength of collaboration across the entire agricultural value chain.
International Breweries Plc is a proud part of Anheuser-Busch InBev (AB InBev), the world’s largest brewer with over 500 brands. As part of a global brand, International Breweries has a dream of bringing people together for a Future with More Cheers through the building of great brands that stand the test of time using the finest natural ingredients.
