Beer giant, Nigerian Breweries Plc has restated its commitment to its business partners. This was clearly demonstrated at the 2015 ‘Distributors Award Night’ held at Eko Hotel & Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos, to acknowledge and reward distributors who excelled in 2014.

The company gave out over 150 awards in various categories which include: National Volume Champion and Regional Volume Champions; Regional Volume Champions who attained minimum of two million cases; Regional Volume Champions who attained less than two million cases; District Champions who achieved minimum of two million cases; District Champions who achieved two million cases; District Champions who achieved one million cases, Millionaire Club (SKDs who achieved above one million cases), CFAO Award for non-alcoholic, Brand Champions in all brands, Isuzu Award and Key Transporters Award, among others.

Other prizes won included Mitsubishi L300 Double Cabin; Toyota Hilux 4 x 4 including 14 Pirelli tyres; Sound proof generating sets; cash rewards and several free crates of Nigerian Breweries products.

The Best Distributor Award went to Ifeoma Chukwuka Nigerian Limited, for selling the highest number of Nigerian Breweries products. The company also emerged the ‘Best Distributor’ two years in a row, having won the same award last year in the National Champions Award category.

The company also emerged as the number one volume distributor of Heineken products in Africa by selling four million cases.

Ken Maduakor Nigeria Ltd was the first runner-up, while Magulf Global Enterprises Nigeria Ltd came in second.

(L-R) Sales Director Nigerian Breweries Plc, Hubert Eze, Managing Director, Nicolaas Vervelde, National Champion of the Distributors Award 2015, Dem Joy Igwe, Sir Gabriel Igwe, of Ifeoma Chukwuka Nigeria Limited, and the Nigerian Breweries Managing Director’ Wife, Clementine Vervelde at the Distributors’ Award presentation tagged Partnering for Greatness in Lagos

For their commendable performances and efforts, Ifeoma Chukwuka was given a trophy and a new Mercedes Diesel truck to further enhance her business. Ken Maduakor and Magulf Enterprises were awarded trophies and a Mitsubishi Cantor truck each.

Speaking at the event, Sales Director of Nigerian Breweries, Mr. Hubert Eze, affirmed that partnership with key distributors and transporters is a major factor in the company’s success story, which has also contributed to growth in sales volume. He added that the merger with Consolidated Breweries Limited had further strengthened the company’s business.

(L-R) Nigerian Breweries Plc, Managing Director’ Wife, Clementine Vervelde, Managing Director, Nicolaas Vervelde, National Key Transporter Champion, Emmanuel Usiakpor of Joza Global Logistic and the National Champion of the Distributors Award 2015, Dame Joy Igwe , of Ifeoma Chukwuka Nigeria Limited at the Distributors’ Award presentation

“The theme of this year’s distributor’s award is ‘partnering for progress.’ We are in it together for a long time and not just to make profit. Despite the challenges in 2014, we recorded a growth in volume rolling out new brands and re-launching existing brands. We thank our key distributors for their support and all that have worked together for the success of the company.”

Mr. Eze motivated the distributors to continue to stock and sell NB products as the company continues to expand its portfolio with products consumers crave.

The Managing Director, Nigerian Breweries Plc, Mr. Nicolaas Vervelde, who gave the overall scorecard of the company’s performance in 2014, commended the key distributors and transporters for their undaunted partnership during difficult times. “In second-half of 2014, the market was tougher but our partnership with key distributors made it possible that NB maintained its leadership position.”

Mr. Vervelde said that the merger with Consolidated Breweries Plc at the end of 2014, had made Nigerian Breweries an enlarged company with extensive supply chain footprint and distribution infrastructure across Nigeria. “We now have 11 breweries spread across the country, 19 brands and 56 SKUs covering more consumer segments in our market. The combination of brands, customers, staff and products as well as the exchange of best practice would create opportunities for higher revenue growth for our company and your business.”

By this action, he said that Nigerian Breweries believes in investment, not only in new products but also in our existing ones. “Our business success continues to be driven by marketing innovations. In 2014, we introduced Star Lite, Nigeria’s first crisp, truly refreshing and less filling lager beer. Star was also introduced in 45cl bottle and 50cl can; Gulder, your Ultimate Beer was re-launched in a brand new bottle. Ace Passion and Star Radler were also added to our portfolio. Fayrouz and Maltina were also introduced in PET bottles, while Goldberg added 50cl can to its winning SKUs.”

At the extraordinary event, the Managing Director of Ifeoma Chukwuka Nigeria Limited, Dame Joy Igwe, who won seven awards for the night, including the “Best Distributor Award,” revealed the secret to her sales success: “I feel so happy to have won seven awards, especially the National award. Focus and determination is the secret. For us winning is a lifestyle and we will continue to work hard. I will also like to commend Nigerian Breweries Plc for their support and encouragement always.

“I make bold to say they are the best company to work with in Nigeria because they provide everything you need to succeed. So with such a company behind you, why won’t you succeed? They encourage us to do more every year and we hope to win again next year. We are growing as Nigerian Breweries is growing. We thank God for that.”

Another award recipient, Ken Maduakor, who was the first runner-up, said that their partnership with the brewery giant has been successful as his business has grown over the years. He described Nigeria Breweries as “a company that knows what the consumer wants and seek out the right set of partners to ensure the products get to their hands at all times.”

(L-R) Managing Director Nigerian Breweries Plc, Nicolaas Vervelde, National Key Transporter Champion, Emmanuel Usiakpor of Joza Global Logistic Nigerian Breweries Plc, Managing Director’ Wife, Clementine Vervelde

Mr. Paul Okene of Magulf Enterprises, who was the second runner-up and had relocated from the United States after the death of his mother said the company has been distributing Nigerian Breweries’ products for close to two years and NB is always there encouraging and giving a helping hand always, they ensure you have all you need, including POS and other materials to succeed.”

To liven up the evening, celebrated singing sensation, Tuface Idibia and legendary Juju musician, King Sunny Ade gave impressive performances to the distinguished guests at the elaborate event.

Nigerian Breweries Plc, the pioneer and largest brewing company in Nigeria was incorporated in 1946 and recorded a landmark when the first bottle of Star Lager rolled off the bottling lines in its Lagos Brewery in June 1949.