NIGERIA – Nigerian Breweries Plc (NB), a subsidiary of global brewing giant Heineken N.V., has launched its newly designed 45cl Heineken beer bottle.
The bottle is aimed at catering to the preferences of Nigeria’s younger demographic, particularly Millennials and Gen Z.
The unveiling took place during an event where the company highlighted the sleek and stylish design of the bottle, crafted to meet both the aesthetic and practical desires of modern consumers.
In a statement, the company emphasized that the 45cl bottle offers an ideal portion of beer, appealing to consumers seeking a balance between smaller and larger quantities.
“This bottle offers just the right amount of beer—striking the perfect balance for those who want a drink that’s neither too little nor too much,” the statement read.
Azuka Ijenebe, Brand Manager of Heineken at Nigerian Breweries Plc, commented, “The introduction of our 45cl bottle is an exciting development. We understand that today’s younger consumers value both style and practicality, and this new bottle is designed to meet those needs. It’s about offering a size that fits seamlessly into their lifestyle—something stylish and just the right amount for a satisfying experience.”
Maria Shadeko, Portfolio Manager for Premium Brands at Nigerian Breweries, added, “We believe that this bottle will not only appeal to their sense of style but also provide them with the ideal amount of beer—meeting them right in the middle. It’s another way we’re raising the bar and ensuring that Heineken continues to lead in both taste and innovation.”
NB Rights Issue
The launch comes as Nigerian Breweries faces significant financial challenges, including foreign exchange (FX) losses due to Nigeria’s ongoing dollar scarcity.
The company is currently undergoing a N600 billion (US$362.49M) capital raising through a rights issue, with the intention of clearing its N500 billion FX debt.
Hans Essaadi, Managing Director and CEO of Nigerian Breweries Plc, stated, “The tough business landscape characterized by double-digit inflation rates, naira devaluation, FX challenges, and diminished consumer spending has taken its toll on many businesses, including ours.”
He added that the rights issue would help settle the company’s FX-denominated debt and improve its overall operational efficiency.
The rights issue, open for subscription from September 2 to October 11, 2024, offers shareholders 11 new ordinary shares for every 5 shares held as of July 12, 2024.
In its half-year financial results for June 2024, Nigerian Breweries reported a Loss After Tax of N85.199 billion (US$51.5M), a 79 percent increase from N47.599 billion (US$28.76M) in the first half of 2023, despite a 72.9 percent revenue growth.
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