In a significant move to strengthen the local beverage supply chain and support Benue State’s economic growth, the Benue Investment and Property Company Limited (BIPC) has officially taken delivery of 166 industrial chiller units. This delivery is a core component of a strategic partnership aimed at enhancing the distribution network for products from the Food Basket Brewery, including popular brands like Zeva Premium Beer and You Bitters.
The arrival of this equipment, which occurred over the weekend in Makurdi, represents more than just a logistical update; it is a tangible investment in market infrastructure. For retailers, these chillers are critical assets. They ensure beverages are stored and served at optimal temperatures, directly impacting product quality, customer satisfaction, and ultimately, sales volume. By providing this infrastructure, BIPC is effectively empowering small and medium-sized retailers, reducing their operational burdens and enabling them to compete more effectively.
Dr. Raymond Asemakaha, Group Managing Director of BIPC, emphasized that this delivery marks a key milestone in the company’s expansion strategy. “This initiative is fundamentally about boosting efficiency and meeting growing market demand,” Asemakaha stated. He further explained that a robust and reliable ‘cold chain’—the temperature-controlled supply chain—is essential for preventing spoilage and reducing costly supply gaps. This move directly addresses a common bottleneck in production and distribution, ensuring a steadier flow of goods from the brewery to the consumer.
The strategic importance of this delivery is further amplified by the scale of what’s to come. Dr. Asemakaha announced that BIPC is expecting an additional 14 containers of similar equipment and materials, including large quantities of glass bottles, in the coming weeks. This phased rollout indicates a sustained, long-term commitment to scaling up local production capacity.
Linking the initiative to broader state-level economic policy, the GMD highlighted Governor Hyacinth Alia’s dedication to industrial growth. The investment in production infrastructure like chillers and bottling materials is a clear signal of an administration focused on enabling local businesses, creating jobs through expanded operations, and ensuring product availability to capture market share both within and beyond Benue State.
For stakeholders, from the Food Basket Brewery to street-side retailers, this development translates to greater operational stability, improved product quality assurance, and the potential for increased revenue. It underscores a model where public investment through entities like BIPC is used to de-risk and catalyze private sector growth, fostering a more resilient and self-sufficient regional economy.
Reported by Dorathy Aninge for the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN). Edited by Peter Amine.
