The Global Media Alliance has launched the 6th edition of its annual Ghana Beverage Awards (GBA).
The primary aim of the GBA is to promote both local and international beverages while promoting the participation of small-scale beverage enterprises in the country. The launch came off at the Kempinski Hotel in Accra, and paved the way for opening nominations in the lead-up to the main event.
Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Global Media Alliance, Ernest Boateng, said the Ghana Beverage Awards have remained the reference point to identify beverage companies which are in touch with their markets and contribute significantly to the Ghanaian economy; adding that these companies will be rewarded for their excellence in the beverage industry.
He maintained that the award scheme is also focused on encouraging the facilitation of small-scale beverage enterprises in Ghana. “Under the theme ‘Inspiring Excellence in Ghana’s Beverage Industry’, the awards put the spotlight on the local beverage industry while at the same time promoting mostly local and a few foreign beverages,” he said.
He noted that the GBA started with 10 categories and currently boasts 18, and will continue to welcome and acknowledge feedback from stakeholders – especially consumers who have been instrumental in the nomination space.
On his part, Deputy Minister for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mark Okraku Mantey, lauded the efforts of all stakeholders who contributed to the award scheme’s success. He said his outfit will continue to extend its supports to the initiative.
“The Tourism industry cannot survive without water, without drinks that will make the party a party; and so we are here to give our support to say ‘thank you’ to this initiative. I have known how much the breweries industry has supported the Arts, and this support cannot be counted,” he said, adding that the breweries industry “has supported government over the years with their taxes, and they also contribute to the country’s GDP”.
He urged all stakeholders in the breweries industry to work effortlessly at ensuring that enough beverages are made available to welcome both natives and foreigners who will be visiting the country as the festive season approaches.
The GBAs are organised in partnership with the Food Research Institute (FRI) under CSIR, Consumer Protection Agency (CPA), Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA), Perception Management International and the Food and Beverage Association of Ghana (FABAG). On the media front, the award scheme is partnered by the Business and Financial Times (B&FT), Citi FM, Happy FM, YFM and eTV Ghana.
GBA categories 2021
The 18 categories for the Ghana Beverage Awards 6th edition include International Spirit of the Year, Dairy Product of the Year, Chocolate Cocoa Product of the Year, New Beverage of the Year, International Beer of the Year, International Liqueur of the Year, Bitters of the Year, Water of the Year, Spirit of the Year, Beer of the Year, RTD of the Year, Fruit Drink of the Year, CSR Company of the Year, Liqueur of the Year, Energy Drink of the Year, CSD of the Year, Manufacturing Company of the Year and, finally, Product of the Year.
