Despite decline in growth the company made Rwf6b in net profits last year. Bralirwa, Rwanda’s only beverage company has paid Rwf36b worth of revenue into the government treasury. According to Sven Piederiet the new, Managing Director while unveiling the company’s new corporate logo, “In 2008 we paid taxes worth Rwf36b equivalent to $65m,” he said. Piederiet replaced Door Plantenga who left for Belgium. Bralirwa is also celebrating half a century of existence.In 2007 rankings of highest tax payers in the country, Bralirwa was ranked as one of the most honourable tax payers. Piederiet also divulged that despite the enormity of the global credit crunch the company has not been greatly affected. However he also added that, growth has been slowing down since last year. “Last year was higher than this year. But we have an emergency plan,” Piederiet said. Without statistical comparison, he stated that despite the visible decline in growth Bralirwa made Rwf6b in net profits last year. Piederiet also disclosed that since 2003 they have made restructures and investments equivalent to Rwf15bn (about $30m). Some of these restructures include a $1.5m (Rwf7.5bn) water treatment plant in Kigali to be revealed in April this year. Then the restructuring of Bralirwa’s main manufacturing plant in Gisenyi, which he said was increased in size by 50 percent. He also mentioned that construction of an alternative energy source of biomass is ongoing in Gisenyi. Piederiet said that the company is going have an on the road show with an intention to celebrate with Rwandans across the country. “We will prepare road shows. We have invested in a road show truck to share our birthday with Rwandans. In August there will be a big event in Kigali,” he said. Bralirwa was started in 1959 with Primus as the first beer brand manufactured in Rwanda. But over the five decades, it has expanded to be the main manufacturing and Distribution Company of beers and soft drinks in Rwanda. Heineken which has distribution in 170 countries, has 70 percent shares in Bralirwa and 30 percent by government. It is also licensed to distribute Coca Cola products. Rose Nsanzabaganwa, Minister of Trade and Industry who was present at the unveiling of the new corporate logo praised the company’s tremendous growth and said that the government is particular on quality. “Those in the processing plant should pay attention to the quality. Not only quality of products but also of service. Research and development is another character of a successful company,” said Nsanzabaganwa. Ends
