Catherine Abelema Afeku, Ernest Boateng (3rd R) and other officials of GBA at the launch
As part of the “See Ghana, Eat Ghana, Wear Ghana, Feel Ghana” campaign, Global Media Alliance (GMA) introduced Drink Ghana at the launch of the third edition of the Ghana Beverage Awards (GBA).
Under the theme, Drink Ghana, Inspiring Excellence in Ghana’s Beverage industry, this year’s GBA will promote beverages especially local ones.
It’s part of efforts to complement the work of the Ghana Tourism Authority and Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture in igniting the ‘I am Ghanaian’ spirit.
The launch saw the introduction of four additional categories into the awards scheme to honour more players in the beverage industry.
The new categories include International Wine of the Year, International Beer of the Year, International Spirit of the Year and New Beverage of the Year.
The addition is to acknowledge the contribution of the foreign beverage market in refreshing Ghanaians, as well as encourage strong and healthy multicultural relationships with our foreign counterparts.
The New Beverage of the Year Award goes to the latest brand in the year under review, which is enjoying massive public appeal while adhering to high quality standards.
Speaking at the launch of the 2018 Awards in Accra, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of GMA, Ernest Boateng said: “This year, Ghana Beverage Awards is keen to promote the efforts of the small and medium beverage enterprises. “We are looking at a future where indigenous beverages get the needed visibility or exposure they need to appeal to both the local and foreign market. The Ghana Beverage Awards is that one platform that is taking on the responsibility of advocating our local producer.
Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister, Catherine Abelema Afeku, who was the Special Guest of Honour for the event, on his part, called for beverage companies to come up with innovative ways in which more traditional Ghanaian drinks like Asana, Sobolo and Palm Wine can be well packaged, branded and sold internationally.
“We need to take our very best out of Ghana and share with the World what we enjoy most.”
She went ahead to add that the initiative to promote Drink Ghana could not have come at a better time.
The Ghana Beverage Awards is organized by Global Media Alliance.
Supporting partners are the Food Research Institute (FRI) under CSIR, Ghana Tourism Authority and the Food and Beverage Association of Ghana.
Media partners are DAILY GUIDE, Citi FM, Happy FM, YFM and e.TV Ghana.
Last year, Guinness Ghana Breweries Limited bagged the ultimate award, with Guinness Foreign Extra Stout adjudged Product of the Year and Beer of the Year.
Other brands were rewarded on the night for their various specialties.