ABL launches cassava beer

Accra Brewery Limited (ABL) has launched its cassava beer, “Eagle Lager”, at Ho in the Volta Region.

Eagle Lager is brewed with 70 percent cassava and has been introduced after years of research into overcoming the challenges of processing and brewing with cassava, a staple in Ghana.

Togbe Afede XIV,  Paramount Chief of the Asogli State in the Volta Region who was the special guest at the event, said Eagle Lager brings new hope to cassava farmers because it will motivate them to shift from subsistence crop farming to commercial status.  

“I am informed that the farmers who grow the cassava for Eagle Lager beer receive extension services from the International Fertiliser Development Centre.  This is a wise move to draw in more people into the farming business.  I would therefore advise farmers in this area to take advantage of this brilliant opportunity to transform the region, their lives and that of their families.”

Gregory Metcalf, Managing Director of Accra Brewery Limited, said: “The valued support of SABMiller and the Ghanaian government has now made it possible to bring this combined brewing and supply-chain innovation to Ghana.

“We are most grateful to Government for their foresight in recognising the enormous socio-economic potential of the initiative.

 â€œOur initiative will create what we call a ‘virtuous circle’: consumers can afford consistently high-quality beer; our smallholder cassava farmers have a guaranteed market for their crop; and Government realises increased revenues as people trade up into formal, taxable alcohol consumption.”

The launch of ABL’s commercial “Chibuku” plant last month saw the livelihoods of 550 maize and sorghum farmers being impacted.  This new cassava project will have an initial 1,500 farmers supplying the cassava, with positive implications on their livelihoods as well.  ABL expects this number to grow as it steps-up production of Eagle Lager.

Increasingly, ABL is contributing to rural wealth development, which is of immense importance to the business’ sustainable development agenda.

Commenting on the new initiative, the representative of the Regional Minister said: “We in Government are happy to note that companies such as ABL, through their sustainable development agenda, have deemed it fit to use locally-grown cassava for this product.

“This is a major boost to farmers in this region.  The arrival of Eagle lager is proof that SABMiller has long-term plans for its businesses in Ghana. The Volta Region has many areas where cassava is the main cash crop, and I would urge ABL to focus their attention on these areas.  This will definitely transform lives and communities.”

Farmers in Ghana produce more than enough cassava for domestic consumption; however the surplus is difficult to bring to market due to the rapid deterioration immediately after harvesting.  This cassava initiative from Accra Brewery offers marketing opportunities to subsistence farmers. It allows them to continue to feed their families due to increased productivity while also generating income from the extra cassava.

 

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