Some outstanding companies within the beverage industry were honoured at the sixth edition of the prestigious Ghana Beverages Awards (GBA) over the weekend.
In a build-up to the event, an industry tour was organised to allow the awards committee to familiarise itself with the practices of participating beverage-manufacturing companies.
The award scheme, which is in its sixth edition, is organised by Global Media Alliance, and is aimed at rewarding excellence in Ghana’s beverage industry, while providing an avenue for stakeholders and key players of the Ghanaian beverage industry to network and deliberate on issues for the industry’s advancement. The GBA 2021 was organised under the theme: ‘Inspiring Excellence in Ghana’s Beverage Industry’.
Speaking at the event, Chief Executive Officer for Global Media Alliance – Ernest Boateng, praised the beverage companies for their contribution to national development, while re-iterating the scheme’s commitment to supporting the industry.
“The beverage industry is a key driver in the development and sustenance of the nation’s economy. It is a huge revenue-generating industry which supports the country in employment creation, service delivery and more,” he said.
The Deputy Minister for Trade and industry, Michael Okyere Baafi in a speech read on his behalf, assured the beverage industry of government’s backing, and applauded players for their various interventions designed to giving back to the communities in which they operate.
“In the face of all the economic difficulties, all of which could stall the hard work of the beverage industry, we acknowledge the strong will of our stakeholders to remain in business. Government of Ghana, fully aware of the heavy blow the COVID-19 pandemic has dealt the beverage industry, is committed to demonstrating its support for all small and medium-scale enterprises (SMES) in the industry through the appropriate policies and incentives,” he said.
He added that the beverage industry has consistently demonstrated a sense of responsibility by giving back to the society within which it operates, stating that it is heartwarming to see that producers are not only extracting, but also caring for the environment and the residents of the communities in which they operate.
The Director of Global Media Alliance, Emma Wenani, expressed her satisfaction with the interest companies expressed to partake in the award categories, and how much the public vibrantly voted for the ultimate category – ‘Product of the Year’.
She stressed on the need to recognise the beverage industry for its impact on society, and best practices. Ms. Wenani indicated that in order to ensure continuous strict hygienic working condition, Global Media Alliance will follow up to the various working environment of the companies to check up on them.
List of winners for the various categories include:
- Fruit Drink of the Year – Ceres Fruit Juice
- Beer of the Year – Guiness FES
- Carbonated Soft Drink of the Year – Coca Cola
- Liqueur of the Year – Kpoo Keke
- International Spirit of the Year – Jameson Irish Whisky
- Dairy Product of the Year – Holandia Yoghurt
- Bitters of the Year – Alomo Bitters
- International Liqueur of the Year – Seagram’s Imperial Blue
- Spirit of the Year – Darling Lemon
- Cocoa/Chocolate Product of the Year – Vitamilk Choco
- RTD of the Year – Django Ginger Ale
- Energy Drink of the Year – Rush Energy Drink
- International Beer of the Year – Heineken
- New Beverage of the Year – Sahara Solace
- Water of the Year – Verna Natural Mineral Water
- CSR Company of the Year – Coca Cola Bottling Company
- Manufacturing Company of the Year – Twellium Industrial Limited
- Product of the Year – Coca Cola Bottling Company
