FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
WITH PICTURES
MAY 17, 2024
BAR OWNERS HONE BUSINESS SKILLS ON ZAMBIAN BREWERIES COURSE
Championing Retailers for Responsible Service
LUSAKA, ZAMBIA – Zambian Breweries has flagged off its Growing Retailers Innovatively Together (GRIT) initiative as part of its wider Retailer Development Programme to build capacity and help bar owners build flourishing businesses.
The move is the company’s way of giving back to the communities in which it operates, while also encouraging responsible retailing practices and strengthening retailers’ participation in the sector’s value chain.
During the most recent training in the programme, participants engaged in a series of training sessions and interactive activities focussed on business management modules in record management, stock management, beer mastery, sales and marketing, customer engagement, responsible retailing as well as regulatory compliance.
Through this initiative, the beer manufacturer aims to empower business owners with the necessary skills to ensure the responsible sale and consumption of alcohol, as well as how to effectively manage and grow their business.
A cohort of 50 retailers from across Lusaka’s Bauleni, John Laing Compound, Chawama, and Matero, celebrated their graduation from GRIT at an event held at the Urban Hotel following a three-day course. This cohort was one of four under the programme, ultimately training 500 retailers across the country.
Zambian Breweries Country Director, Thais Cavinatto congratulated the graduates on their achievement: “Today marks a very important occasion as we celebrate the dedication, perseverance and growth of our retailers. It is with great pleasure that I extend my heartfelt congratulations to every one of you on graduation from GRIT.”
“By building strong businesses, you play a crucial role in the growth of our economy while promoting the wellbeing and safety of the ones we serve. Your commitment to growth is commendable and deeply appreciated, as is the commitment to responsible business practices,” she added.
The retailers thanked Zambian Breweries for its support:
Kimberly Banda from Golden Pub Matero said: “This three-day training has been a good empowerment programme because it has taught me how to associate with my customers; on what products to sell; what regulations to follow; and how to choose the location of my pub.”
“I started this business when I was young, my father taught me. Today I am glad to attend this programme because my entire life I’ve only received this training about how to run my business from my father,” Justina Miti from Chawama Chakanga bar stated.
As partners on this journey Zambian Breweries’ support extends to investing in initiatives that build stronger, more viable businesses as well as promoting responsible retailing that ultimately contribute to the development of the manufacturing and retail sector in Zambia.
“Today, you are not just graduates of the GRIT programme, but beacons of inspiration for future cohorts of retailers. Your success stories serve as a testament to the transformative power of dedication and hard work,” added Ms Cavinatto.
Zambian Breweries is committed to ensuring its partners, the retailers, are capacitated with the necessary skills and knowledge needed to succeed in the industry and to contribute to the overall economic wellbeing of the country.
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About AB InBev in Zambia
Zambian Breweries Plc is part of Anheuser-Busch InBev (AB InBev), the largest brewer in the world, with more than 500 beer brands and some 200,000 employees in over 50 countries. It is also one of the world’s largest bottlers of soft drinks.
Zambian Breweries was established in Zambia in 1968 and its product range has grown to include clear beers such as Mosi Premium Lager, Mosi Light, Castle, Carling Black Label, Eagle, Stella Artois, and Budweiser.
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