In today’s digital and connected world, consumers are increasingly concerned about the ethical implications of their purchasing decisions. So much so that businesses are expected to uphold higher standards of integrity, responsibility, and accountability, and to report on these with transparency. Accra Brewery PLC upholds this commitment through our ethical sourcing and sustainable business practices, this extends to sustainability and community empowerment – all of which are integral to our core business values.
Ethical sourcing practices
Our journey begins with sourcing ingredients for our expansive and much-loved beverage range. With ethical sourcing being a cornerstone of our business model, we ensure that in our contracts with suppliers we mandate strict adherence to our Business Code of Conduct and Ethics. Policies that are integral to these contracts, include our Global Sourcing Policy, Better World Policy, Anti-Bribery and Corruption Policy, and Human Rights Policy. By incorporating these standards, we ensure that our suppliers are onboard with our commitment to ethical sourcing and sustainable business practices and follow suit in their operations.
Partnerships with farmers
We partner closely with local farmers and producers to source key ingredients like cassava and maize, which are essential for our popular Eagle Stout and Eagle Lager beers. Each year, we source approximately 11,000 metric tonnes of maize grit, translating into 18,000 tonnes of maize grains, and an additional 2,600 metric tonnes of cassava. Partnerships with the likes of Divine Raymond Amenya, General Manager, Yedent Agro Group of Companies and James Olowookere Olubunmi, CEO of Yedent Agro Group of Companies are based on fair trade practices which provide them with a reliable market for their crops and this helps to promote sustainable development within these communities.
Divine Raymond Amenya, General Manager, Yedent Agro Group of Companies Ltd adds
For the 2023/2024 farming season, we have significantly expanded our production support facility, enrolling 4,709 smallholder farmers. This expansion has also grown our network of aggregators, or anchor farmers, to 20, reflecting substantial progress in our agricultural outreach. In partnership with these anchor farmers, we have started the cultivation of 4,000 acres of maize across the country. A particularly noteworthy achievement is the remarkable increase in female participation. The number of female smallholder farmers has more than doubled, rising from 312 in the 2023 season to 646 in 2024—a 107% increase. This growth underscores our ongoing commitment to promoting gender inclusivity in agriculture.
James Olowookere Olubunmi CEO of Yedent Agro Group of Companies adds
Our supply chain currently includes approximately 15 aggregators, who collectively work with over 80 farmers. Notably, seven of these aggregators are women, and we expect this number to grow in the upcoming season. Our direct workforce in Ghana consists of 35 employees. However, when we consider our network of aggregators and farmers, this figure rises to 200 individuals. Additionally, our operations indirectly support various auxiliary roles, such as transporters and casual laborers. Although the exact number of these indirect jobs is difficult to quantify, their contribution to local employment is substantial.
Accra Brewery PLC plays a pivotal role in supporting a vast network of local farmers and agricultural workers, contributing to their economic stability and growth. Our commitment extends beyond sourcing – we are deeply invested in uplifting local communities through our empowerment initiatives. Community empowerment is embedded in our DNA at Accra Brewery PLC.
By prioritizing ethical sourcing practices, we not only secure high-quality raw materials for our operations but also contribute to the livelihoods and prosperity of local communities. These efforts are already making a lasting, positive impact, enhancing the overall well-being of the communities we engage with.
Empowering farmers
Through educational procurement workshops, we aim to empower farmers by providing them with comprehensive knowledge and skills in the procurement process. By equipping them with standardized procedures, we strive to improve their business operations and elevate their success in the agricultural marketAt Accra Brewery PLC, we believe in leading by example and inspiring others in the industry to adopt ethical practices. By doing so, we are driving positive change and fostering a more equitable global community.
