IBPLC Stakeholder Event Highlights Farmers, Sustainability, Community Impact – Independent Newspaper Nigeria

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, recognised 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.