Nile Breweries posts 20% sales growth

By The Independent Reporters

Nile Breweries Ltd posted a 20% growth in domestic sales volumes in the year to March 2009 driven by the redesign of bottles for their brand and a reduction in excise duty on economy brands.Managing Director, Nick Jenkinson noted that the company that brews Nile Special Lager and Club Pilsner also recorded a growth in market share despite a highly competitive business environment.

The brewery also unveiled new products like Redd’s Premium Gold in a can, Castle Milk Stout, and Grolsch Premium Lager in the international premium beer category. NBL recently concluded a US$28 million (Shs 62 billion) expansion project for its production capacity that will see its brewing and packaging capacity double to nearly two million hectoliters per annum.

Fina Bank gives KACITA Shs 10m for awards

The Peoples Verdict Quality Awards (Ani Mukozi) competition organised by the Kampala City Traders Association (KACITA) has received a Shs 10 million boost from Fina Bank. The Ani Mukozi awards target manufacturers, dealers and service providers who excel in uplifting the delivery of quality products and services.

Issa Ssekitto the Kacita spokesperson said the Association will use the money to sensitise consumers about fake and counterfeit products on the local market.

“We believe this sponsorship will promote quality goods and services in the country and also give consumers an opportunity to share their experiences with the providers,” said Fina Bank Acting Managing Director Julius Omoding when handing over the money to the Kacita spokesperson. Fina Bank and Kacita are engaged in several activities involving best practices on key challenges faced by the traders.

Stanbic opens 24-hour border branch

Stanbic Bank has opened two 24-hour branches at the country’s main border posts of Busia and Malaba to speed-up the clearing and forwarding process for agents. The Kenya and Rwanda governments announced 24-hour operations at the entry points last year but they have been bogged down by absence of banking facilities. Philip Odera, the Stanbic managing director said, “These branches are purely for the clearing agents to make payments for goods faster”. He said Stanbic was aware of the internet problems in the area and has tried to address the problem by ensuring that at least three telecommunications companies that provide the service are present in the area. Clearing and forwarding agents have complained of nightmarish delays ever since the 24-hour clearing of goods was introduced last year at the Busia and Malaba border posts.