Brewer pledges continued investment in community services,smallfarmers
Investments in community projects including water supply will be given priority this year in addition to supporting smallholder farmers who supply Serengeti Breweries Limited(SBL) with raw materials for its beer manufacturing.
New SBL’s managing director, Mark Ocitti said at a recent meeting with the Dar es Salaam based media editors that the company will cement its support in water provision, support towards local farmers and education.
“In the area of water provision, we are looking forward to implement more projects in addition to the existing 17 which collectively provide about two million people with free, clean and safe water,” Ocitti
He said, SBL is supporting local farmers in the areas where it sources raw materials for beer production through provision of free seeds, field technical services and linking them to financial institutions for loans.
SBL currently sources over 70 percent of its raw materials used for its beer production locally with the current uptake of barley, maize and sorghum soaring to 17,000 metric tons per year-and still growing.
In the area of education support to local communities, Ocitti said, under Kilimo-Viwanda project, SBL has initiated a scholarship program to strengthen the exiting pool of agricultural experts in Local Raw Material growing regions. They are also in line with SBL’s goal to increase its Local Raw Material Sourcing Program (LRMP).
“The sponsorship will be extended to 30 students pursuing diplomas in agriculture-based courses and the selected students must come from SBL’s LRM areas or any area as long as they are ready and willing to work in LRM areas after their studies.,’ he added.
SBL is the producer of the famous Serengeti Premium Lager as well as the super-brands-winning names including Serengeti Premium Lite, among others.
The second largest beer company in Tanzania whose beer brands account for over 20 percent of market share by volume is also home to world’s renowned spirits such as Johnnie Walker Whisky, Smirnoff Vodka, Gordon’s Gin, Captain Morgan Rum and Baileys Irish Cream.
