Distinguished ladies and gentlemen,
Dear colleagues, friends and members of the media.
Thank you for joining us here today.
I am honored to address you today in my capacity as the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Nigerian Breweries Plc, which is Heineken’s operating company in Nigeria. It is with great pride and pleasure that I announce a significant milestone in the history of our esteemed brand – the 150th anniversary of Heineken, a true icon in the world of beer.
Throughout our journey, Heineken has become synonymous with creating unforgettable experiences and fostering connections. Our visionary founder, Freddy Heineken, once said, “We don’t sell beer, we sell gezelligheid.” This Dutch word, untranslatable yet deeply meaningful, encapsulates the essence of Heineken. It represents the feeling of good times, the warmth of human connection, and the joy that comes from shared experiences.
Today, we reflect on the extraordinary legacy of Heineken, a legacy rooted in passion, quality, and innovation. It all began in 1864 when Gerard Adriaan purchased De Hooiberg Brewery, setting in motion a journey that would change the beer landscape forever. In 1873, our iconic brand was born in a new brewery on the outskirts of Amsterdam. Little did we know then that this humble beginning would lead to a global phenomenon.
Heineken’s rise to prominence has been nothing short of meteoric. In 1875, two years after its establishment, our beer won the prestigious Medaille D’Or at an international exhibition in Paris. This early recognition served as a testament to Gerard Adriaan’s commitment to quality and set the stage for our enduring success.
But Heineken’s story is not just about brewing exceptional beer; it is about embracing the spirit of gezelligheid and creating memorable moments for our consumers. We have always believed that
good times matter, transcending borders and cultures. To further emphasize this commitment, we have collaborated with academics and behavioural scientists to develop the groundbreaking ‘Good Times Index,’ a brand measurement model that assesses our contribution to creating the perfect conditions for good times – from open-mindedness and inclusivity to genuine human connections.
Today, I am proud to announce that Heineken will become the first beer brand to officially incorporate “delivering good times” as a key measure of success at a global level. This transformative step demonstrates our unwavering dedication not only to the volume of beer we sell but also to the happiness and satisfaction we bring to our customers in over 190 countries.
To express our gratitude to our loyal fans and consumers in Nigeria, we will be unveiling a series of anniversary celebrations from this July 2023. These events will be a testament to our commitment to spreading the spirit of good times and embracing the gezelligheid lifestyle that Heineken represents.
Behind our success lies a rich tapestry of brewing excellence and marketing ingenuity. From the cultivation of our unique A-Yeast strain in 1886 by Dr. Hartog Elion, to the visionary marketing initiatives led by Henry Pierre Heineken, our brand has continually pushed boundaries. Today, under the guidance of Charlene de Carvalho-Heineken, our esteemed owner, we have become the second-largest beer company globally, with a diverse portfolio of over 300 brands.
The presence of our parent company – HEINEKEN International in Africa, specifically in Nigeria, is a testament to our commitment to the region and its vibrant communities. It was in 1900 that we first began exporting beer into West Africa, laying the foundation for a longstanding relationship with the region.
In Nigeria, we have made significant strides, with a 56.7% ownership of Nigerian Breweries Plc. As the largest premium beer brand in Nigeria, we take our responsibility seriously. Over the past three years, we have collaborated with 76 outsourced service providers, positively impacting the lives of 10,000 employees. We believe in empowering our workforce and have implemented support programs across our company.
But our commitment to Nigeria goes beyond our people; it extends to the environment as well. In line with our sustainability goals, we are proud to announce that we are supplying renewable electricity to two sites in Nigeria through an off-site Power Purchase Agreement (PPA). This initiative allows us to utilize electricity generated by a hydro-power project, reducing our carbon footprint and promoting clean energy solutions.
As a company, we recognize that our success is intrinsically linked to the communities we serve. That is why we strive to make a positive and lasting impact, not only through our exceptional beers but also through sustainable practices and social initiatives.
As we celebrate the 150th anniversary of the Heineken brand, we remain committed to strengthening our presence in Nigeria and continuing our journey of fostering positive change. We look forward to building on our legacy and creating more opportunities for growth, collaboration, and shared moments of joy with Nigerians.
In closing, I would like to express my gratitude to every person who has contributed to the success of the Heineken brand over the past 150 years. From our dedicated employees and brewing experts to our valued partners and loyal consumers, you have all played a pivotal role in shaping this brand’s remarkable journey.
As we embark on the next chapter, let us raise our glasses to Heineken’s 150th anniversary and toast to the legacy of gezelligheid, innovation, and delivering good times. Together, we will continue to create memorable experiences, forge meaningful connections, and inspire moments of joy and celebration for generations to come.
Thank you.
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