International Breweries Plc (IBPLC), a proud member of AB InBev, the world’s largest brewer with over 500 brands, has reiterated its commitment to continue to foster entrepreneurship and economic growth in Nigeria, through its ongoing 2024 Retailer Development Programme (RDP), also known as the Growing Retailers Innovatively Together (GRIT) initiative.

The month-long ongoing training introduced by the parent company, AB-InBev and rolled out in its different markets across Africa is designed to enhance entrepreneurial skills, promote financial inclusion, and drive sustainable growth for its numerous retailer base. IBPLC activated the programme in five key markets across Nigeria: Port Harcourt, Onitsha, Ilesha, Lagos and Sagamu; culminating in the training of about 800 retailers across the different locations, with the aim to train a total of 1000 retailers by the end of 2024.

The programme, focused on three pillars of Inclusion, Education, and Growth, is providing tailored business training, coaching, and mentorship to retailers. Increased investment in education fuels economic growth by equipping individuals with the skills needed to innovate, compete, and thrive in a dynamic market.

L-R: National Sales Director, International Breweries PLC, (IBPLC), Nicholas Kade; Corporate Affairs & Regulatory Director, IBPLC, Temitope Oguntokun; Partner, 3N Bar, Shomolu, Daye Young, and Managing Director, IBPLC, Carlos Coutino, at 2024 IBPLC’s Retailers Development Programme in Lagos.

Building on its initial success in 2023 where about 150 local retailers were trained, GRIT has expanded its reach to support more retail partners across Nigeria and six other African countries. Beneficiaries of the training are retail partners, and bars owned and operated by men, women, and youth above 18 years.

In his remarks, the Managing Director, International Breweries Plc, Carlos Coutino noted that thriving small businesses are the backbone of local communities and economies that play critical roles in the economic development of communities by generating employment, providing vital services and contributing towards innovation.

L-R: Ifeoma Sunday, Manager, Ifeoma Joint, Abeokuta, Ogun State; Olawunmi; Oladapo Soneye, Corporate Affairs Manager, International Breweries Plc, Gateway Plant & Femi Adio, Manager, Delight Cool Spot, Abeokuta, Ogun State at 2024 IBPLC’s Retailers Development Programme in Ogun State.

According to him, “We believe that we can build meaningful change with our GRIT programme, now in its second year of implementation. With GRIT, we provide meaningful support to our retailers with skills training, mentorship, opportunities to scale, and access to much needed resources such as: digital tools, financing and other critical input.”

Continuing, he said, “achieving entrepreneurial development, business growth and sustainability for our retail partners not only requires GRIT and perseverance; but ensures that International Breweries continues to create a future with more cheers for its stakeholders”.

The 2024 edition of the Retailer Development Programme introduced a hybrid training model, offering participants the flexibility to choose between in-person and virtual learning. The innovation ensured that more retailers could benefit from the programme regardless of location or schedule. Virtual training was delivered through an innovative mobile app, compatible with the latest mobile technology, enabling seamless access to business insights and learning materials.

L-R: Oluwatosin Sanni, Project Manager, Advapro Ltd; Joy Nwankwo, Manager, Ultimate Bar, Onitsha, Anambra State; Okechukwu Nzeribe, Corporate Affairs Manager, International Breweries PLC, Onitsha, at 2024 IBPLC’s Retailers Development Programme in Onitsha, Anambra State.

Corporate Affairs & Regulatory Director, IBPLC, Temitope Oguntokun noted that the activities of retailers are critical to the existence of IBPLC and appreciated them for their commitment to advancing the brand and their different businesses. “For us, Entrepreneurship is about supporting and uplifting small and medium-sized businesses across our value chain, from farmers, to transporters, suppliers/vendors, local retailers and many more. Strengthening our retailers supports their communities and contributes to fostering sustainable business growth across the country. The name GRIT symbolises our determination to work together to realise shared value with our stakeholders”

L-R: Martins Owoyokun, Corporate Affairs Officer, International Breweries Plc, Ilesa, Osun State & Bukola Adedeji, Manager, Lady B Cool Spot, Ilesa, Osun State, at 2024 IBPLC’s Retailers Development Programme in Onitsha, Anambra State.

Addressing retailers at the session, the National Sales Director, IBPLC, Nicholas Kade acknowledged the resilience of the retailers in driving their business and trading ventures despite the challenging economic environment. “We know that when our retailers grow, our business grows. The training today is about equipping you to help your business thrive which will also invariably help us thrive, as we all contribute to the socio-economic development of the country”.

Participants were taken through the rudiments of financial management, stock taking, business growth and how to become a responsible beer master, across four training modules, in a bid to enhance their business knowledge.

General Manager, Retta Park Hotel, Okota, Lagos, Samuel Onyeulor who participated in the programme expressed his desire to upskill and gain new insights in business as his reason for attending the training. “A lot of new perspectives have been brought to my attention and I have been able to learn, unlearn, and relearn. It has also provided an opportunity for me to network, share experiences, and best practices in business,” Onyeulor said.

Another participant, CEO of ShineOn Bar, Ikeja, Pretty Joseph described the programme as “amazing”. “I learnt how to take charge of business in order to make and keep it profitable by ensuring I keep adequate stock of my products all the time as well as ensuring my customers as consistently satisfied with my services,” she said.

Beyond providing practical business training, the RDP training also featured workshops on financial literacy, digital skills, and leadership, ensuring that retailers are equipped to grow their businesses and adapt to changing market conditions.

International Breweries Empowers Growth of Retailers through its GRIT Training