Bralirwa profits up by 45.3 percent

Rwanda’s leading brewery Bralirwa has registered a robust performance for the first half of this year with its net profits up by 45.3 per cent to Rwf 7.9 billion, a rise attributed to strong operating profit growth and lower interest expense.

Thursday, August 30, 2012
Jonathan Hal, Managing Director for Bralirwa (L) and Willy Ngana, the Financial Director. The New Times / File

Rwanda’s leading brewery Bralirwa has registered a robust performance for the first half of this year with its net profits up by 45.3 per cent to Rwf 7.9 billion, a rise attributed to strong operating profit growth and lower interest expense.In the first six months of this year, the company registered a bouncy free operating cash flow of over Rwf4.4 billion as a result of significant increase in profitability despite increased investments.Jonathan Hall,Managing Director for Bralirwa, said the focus on sales execution combined with investment in marketing and reputable products contributed much to the company’s performance."Our combined focus on top line growth, increased cost controls and improved supply efficiencies delivered another great performance in the first half of 2012,” he said during the official launch of the first half year results at the Bralirwa head offices in Kicukiro.Hall noted that volumes grew by 3.4 per cent to 788,000 hecta liters in the forts quarter of this year compared to 762,000 hecta liters last year in the same period driven by growth in beer and soft drinks.Bralirwa’s revenues went up to Rwf36 billion indicating a percentage  rise of 22.3 up from  Rwf29 billion  in the same period last year which was  supported by a combination of higher volumes increased pricing and improved sales execution against increasing competition."Our increased investment in our brands and strong commercial partners has enabled us to sustain our position in the beverage market despite competition from local and regional competitors,” Hall said.Bralirwa management pledged to keep the focus on the implementation of strategic imperatives, including sales growth, cost management, strong cash generation to support the planned investments in soft drinks and beer capacity.Willy Ngana, the brewer’s Financial Director, says that Bralirwa will continue to implement its investment plans mainly in capacity upgrade and expansion to continue to lead the Rwandan beverage market."Our people remain at the heart of our business and as in the past we will continue to invest in them to assist them to achieve their potential,” he said.Despite continued global uncertainties that impacts directly on the country’s economy, experts are optimistic that the Rwanda’s beverage industry is expected to keep afloat in the second half of 2012, a likelihood that will see growth in volumes needed to satisfy the current demand market.Bralirwa is a Rwandan company, producing and selling beer and soft drinks. The company’s marketing strategy has managed to retain clientele as well as recruiting many especially in the recent popular event of GUMA GUMA Super Star second season.