Beverage industry as important as car industry - Ahomka-Lindsay

Deputy Minister for Trade and Industry, Robert Ahomka-Lindsay has assured the beverage industry of the ministry’s support.

According to him, the beverage industry is as important as the vehicle industry since they both involve a production process, as such should be given equal attention.

The ministry, he said, has made available some exciting incentives aimed at reducing the cost of production for the industry, especially, for companies who manufacture their products in the country.

Speaking at the 2018 Ghana Beverage Awards, the Deputy Minister revealed that the beverage industry qualifies for the ministry's programme for industrial transformation, One District, One Factory.

“You have an opportunity of having zero duty for all the equipment you bring in for the manufacture of your beverage, zero duty. You have a five-year corporate tax-free holiday associated with your business.”

He added, “we as a government are prepared to subsidize up to 50 percent, 10 percent of interest cost baring for you to borrow money to put in your business and in some cases when we know you cannot get the raw materials, we look to help you to get the raw materials duty free”.

According to the minister, these incentives are offered because government believes the beverage industry has a role in the creation of jobs and wealth in the country.

The Ghana Beverage Awards is organized by Global Media Alliance with the aim to celebrate and inspire the beverage industry in Ghana.

The award is structured to honour and recognize excelling beverage companies in Ghana, both local and international brands.

Below are the winners of the 2018 Ghana Beverage Awards

New Beverage of the Year – Kpoo Keke

Fruit Juice of the Year – Blue Skies

Carbonated Soft Drinks (CSD) – Cocacola

International Spirit of the Year – Jameson

Beer of the Year – Guinness

Bitters of the Year – Alomo Bitters

Liquoring of the Year – Kpoo Keke

Spirit of the Year – Castle Bridge

Ciders/RTD of the Year – Orijin Beer

Energy Drinks of the Year – Storm Energy Drink

Cocoa/Chocolate/Dairy product of the Year – VitaMilk

Water of the Year – Bel-Aqua

CSR Company of the Year – Twellium Company

International Beer of the Year – Heineken Beer

Manufacturing of the Year – Kasapreko

Product of the Year – Storm Energy Drink