Posted on October, 25, 2019 at 09:31 am
THE ongoing 41.6bn/- expansion of Serengeti Breweries Limited factories in Dar es Salaam, Kilimanjaro and Mwanza should also increase numbers of farmers supplying raw materials to the brewer.
Minister of Industries and Trade, Innocent Bashungwa said in Dar es Salaam this week that SBL has done a good job in its Local Raw Materials (LRM) project through which the beer brewer gives priority to sourcing raw materials within the country.
“As you expand your factory capacity and create jobs, remember also to increase the number of farmers who supply you with raw materials so that more of our farmers get a reliable market for their commodities,” Bashungwa said while officiating at an SBL new corporate identity marks.
He commended the brewer for its sustained growth and giving priority to local sources when procuring raw materials saying such a move is vital to revolutionise the agriculture sector and vowed to ensure that legal and policy reforms are undertaken to facilitate private investments.
“Currently, we have a number of ongoing policy reforms geared towards eliminating bureaucracy in public institutions that are considered barriers to trade,” Bashungwa added. SBL’s LRM project started over five years ago and has so far recruited 400 cereal farmers.
Briefing Bashungwa on SBL’s expansion plan, Board Chairman, John Ulanga said 14 million pounds is being invested in the expansion project which has already started in Dar es Salaam. “The new logo reflects the company’s new growth ambition, which has already seen the brewer start expanding its operations,” Ulanga said.
He said the massive investment, “Will foster creation of more jobs, increase SBL tax contribution to the government and ultimately cement the company’s position as a major player and partner in nation building.”
Ulanga further noted that the new look corporate identity represents the company’s transformative journey since its inception in 1996 stressing the move also shows that the brewer works with natural ingredients.
New SBL Managing Director, Mark Ocitti backed his boss by emphasising that the new corporate identity distinguishes the brewer’s unique identity and the strides that has been made over the years from owning a single small brewery based in Dar es Salaam to the giant company it is today.
“SBL currently operates three breweries located in Moshi, Mwanza and Dar es Salaam, employing over 800 staff – both directly and indirectly,” Ocitti stated noting that the brewer’s main brands including Serengeti Premium Lager, Serengeti Lite, Pilsner Lager, Kibo Gold, Guinness and Senator.
The company also distributes the world’s leading spirit brands such as Johnnie Walker, Smirnoff, White Horse, Gordons, Baileys among others. Renowned for its sponsorship of the national soccer team, Taifa Stars, SBL has over the past ten years implemented 17 water projects countrywide that provides over two million people with free clean and safe water.
The company, according to the managing Director, is also in partnership with the Ministry of Agriculture supporting bright students from farming communities to access college education – courtesy of SBL Kilimo-Viwada Scholarship Program.
Incorporated in 1988 as Associated Breweries, SBL is the second largest beer company in Tanzania, with its beer brands accounting for over 25 percent of the market by volume. The majority stake acquisition by EABL/Diageo in 2010 has seen increased investment in international quality standards leading to greater job opportunities for the people of Tanzania.
Source: IPP Media