Nigerian Breweries PLC, has described 2009 as one of the most difficult year for the brewery industry in Nigeria, saying “the economy slowed down significantly.”

Managing Director Michiel Herkemij, stated this while addressing the company’s distributors during an awards ceremony held for them.“2009 was a difficult year as the economy slowed down significantly; nevertheless,  nevertheless, Nigerian Breweries made an impressive result which surpassed previous year’s in terms of volume and revenue netted from turnover N164.2b and an operating profit of N41.6 billion,” he said.

The company’s Sales Director, Dr Oladele Ajayi said during the turbulence of 2009, their esteemed customers and transporters remained steadfast and proved to be dependable business partners and that improved their 2009 turnover.“With your sheer determination and resilience, you have beaten all our records and surpassed previous performances. you have once again, rekindled our trust and hope in your ability to rise up to any occasion. your business skill and acumen which have continued to see us through remain unwavering.. On behalf of Nigerian Breweries Plc, i say a big thank you for this wonderful feat,” he stated.

According to him, 2009 was a difficult one with regards to the security situation in all parts of the country, and that the company’s heart goes out to those who suffered various forms of misfortune or loss.“Two months of the year 2010 have gone by and we need to stay safe. I want to strongly advise that we should be wary of our movement, be aware of activities in our environment at all ties and report any suspicious characters to the police.

As we commence the year, it is crystal clear that the only way we can sustain and improve on our past performances is to start early, a few challenges are bound to crop up but can only be overcome by sheer determination and adequate  preparation” he advised.There were different categories of awards from all regions in Nigeria, six customers who completed and commissioned their demand centres in 2009, went home with a set of office furniture each and six customers from different districts won N2 million each, while many carted away with hundreds of drinks, diesel and millions of naira, some went home with brand new trucks. Magulf Global Resource, Warri, was crowned the national volume champion, as she went home with 3 million naira and an Iveco truck.

(Source:Vanguard)