E-Malt.com News article: UK & South Africa & Zambia: SABMiller wins international award for supporting development in Africa 13 July 2006

SABMiller plc, one of the world’s leading brewers, announced July 13 that it has won the prestigious Citigroup International Award in recognition of the work that its Zambian subsidiary, Zambian Breweries, is doing to support the achievement of the millennium development goals in Africa.

The award, which is co-sponsored by the International Business Leaders’ Forum and Business Action for Africa, was presented by the president of Business in the Community, HRH The Prince of Wales.

SABMiller’s entry entitled "Zambian Breweries: A decade of supporting local communities and working towards the eradication of extreme poverty and hunger in Zambia" focused on three case studies illustrating the positive impact that its core business activities have on local communities in Zambia.

Specifically, it focused on the job opportunities created for small scale farmers and local entrepreneurs through the company’s supply and distribution chains, the steps taken to protect the environment by being the largest recycler in Zambia, and actions taken to preventing the spread of HIV/Aids - all of which can be measured against the aspirations of the millennium development goals.

Graham Mackay, Chief Executive of SABMiller said “We are delighted to win this award. Core business activities and the manner in which large companies transfer skills, train people and use their value chains to create markets and business opportunities for entrepreneurs and small scale farmers is absolutely key to generating economic growth in Africa. It is essential that people in Africa have the means to make money and create wealth for themselves”

Through its work with the UK government, NGOs and other large companies operating in Africa, SABMiller has been instrumental in helping to shape discussions about business’s role in poverty alleviation. It has been instrumental in moving the debate away from the traditional focus on corporate philanthropy towards supply and distribution chains, market-based solutions to poverty and favourable investment climates.

SABMiller has over 14 000 employees in its 29 African businesses. These businesses contribute around 40% to annual group turnover and they have consistently delivered profit growth, not only enabling SABMiller to make substantial investments into local African economies, but also support local businesses in the communities in which it operates.

SABMiller plc is one of the world’s largest brewers with brewing interests or distribution agreements in over 60 countries across five continents. The group’s brands include premium international beers such as Miller Genuine Draft, Peroni Nastro Azzurro and Pilsner Urquell, as well as an exceptional range of market leading local brands. Outside the USA, SABMiller plc is also one of the largest bottlers of Coca-Cola products in the world.

In the year ended 31 March 2006, the group reported US$2,626 million adjusted pre-tax profit and a turnover of US$15,307 million. SABMiller plc is listed on the London and Johannesburg stock exchanges.



14 July, 2006