Beverages Association Pledges Innovation and Sector Growth
By Esther Korantemaa Offei
The Ghana Beverage Awards has marked its 10th anniversary with a grand celebration that brought together industry leaders, policymakers, and stakeholders at the Kempinski Hotel Gold Coast City in Accra, highlighting a decade of recognising excellence while charting a new path centred on innovation, sustainability, and technology-driven growth in Ghana’s beverage industry.
From its establishment, the awards scheme was designed to promote excellence and healthy competition within the beverage sector. Ten years on, it has evolved into a major industry platform that reflects the transformation of Ghana’s beverage landscape, spanning manufacturing, agriculture, logistics, marketing, and consumer engagement.
Chief Executive Officer of Global Media Alliance, Ernest Boateng, described the milestone as a defining moment for the sector, noting that the industry has become more sophisticated, competitive, and innovative over the past decade.
According to him, the beverage industry is no longer just about products on shelves, but about jobs, value chains, and broader economic contribution. He highlighted improvements in packaging, branding, and sustainability practices, adding that the sector now plays a significant role in shaping consumer culture and lifestyle trends.
He further pointed to the growing influence of artificial intelligence and digital tools in reshaping the industry, particularly in product development, forecasting, and consumer insights. However, he stressed that human connection remains central to brand success despite technological advancement.
Chairman of the Awards Committee, Professor Charles Tortoe, also reflected on the journey of the initiative, describing it as one built on consistency, vision, and industry collaboration. He noted that the platform has grown into a benchmark for excellence and announced the introduction of two new categories, Beverage Distributor of the Year and Beverage Marketer of the Year to broaden industry recognition.
Representing government, Minister for Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, underscored the sector’s importance to national development, noting its strong linkages to agriculture, manufacturing, and employment creation. She assured stakeholders of continued government support to strengthen local production and improve competitiveness.
Deputy CEO of the Ghana Tourism Authority, Yusif Issaka Jajah, also highlighted the beverage industry’s role in tourism, describing it as a key contributor to cultural experience and visitor satisfaction.
The event also recognised top-performing brands, with Guinness Ghana, Coca-Cola, Heineken, Baileys, and Johnnie Walker among international and local winners.
As the Ghana Beverage Awards enters its second decade, stakeholders say the focus will shift further toward innovation, sustainability, and deeper collaboration to ensure continued growth and global competitiveness of Ghana’s beverage industry.
