Crown Beverages Limited (CBL), the bottler of Pepsi, Mirinda, Mountain Dew, Sting, and Nivana Water has been crowned PepsiCo Europe and Sub-Saharan African (Europe and SSA) Bottler of the Year2018.
The PepsiCo “Bottler of the Year Award” is the highest annual regional recognition conferred upon PepsiCo’s best bottling partner from PepsiCo Europeand Africa. Nominations out of 65 countries, for the award are premised on quality standards, community support, customer service, volume and sales growth as well as proven commitment to performance with purpose.
The award was handed over to Crown Beverages Limited Chairman Board of Directors, Mr. Amos Nzeyi by the President of Europe and Sub-Saharan Africa (ESSA) region, Mr. Silviu Popovici during a colorful event held atLake Victoria Serena Golf Resort & Spa.
Mr. Popovici has worked with PepsiCo for the last 6.5 years. He has served in the positions Managing Director Russia, President PepsiCo Russia, Ukraine & CIS and is currently the President Europe and Sub-Saharan Africa. Mr. Popovici has a total beverage industry experience of close to 28 years.
Speaking at the award ceremony, Mr. Popovici told guests that Crown Beverages had been recognized for their hard work and experience. “Crown Beverages has made a mark in the history of PepsiCo group because of its consistency in innovation, delivering high quality brands to the market, as well as advancing the group’s agenda,” he said.
While receiving the award, Mr. Nzeyi said, he was delighted to receive the award on behalf of his team to whom he attributes the success achieved by the company. “We are honored to receive this award for the first time since we started operations in 1993, it is a pure delight and a testament of our continued growth and dedication over the years,” added Mr. Nzeyi.
He added that, “This award is for the great Pepsi Uganda people who leave their homes every day to make CBL a great company and champion it is, within our global network but also in the country, through their hard work.”
Last year, CBL was recognized as a top tax payer with an Excellent Taxpayer Award for the financial year 2017/18. This followed its remittance of UGX 284 billion in tax the government, between 2018 and 2013, demonstrating the company’s growth and continued contribution to the transformation of the economy.
The prestigious award comes on the back of several business initiatives that have seen the company improve its performance including; review of human and financial capital thereby eliminating rigidities and driving efficiency which have enhanced quick decision making. In addition, the company’ local ownership, solid financial practice & internal control mechanisms and introduction new brands supported by new innovations have also bolstered its commendable performance amidst high competition in the market.
In 2018, CBL also opened a new line for PET (Capacity) for PET soda –to respond to growing demand for soda in Uganda. The company has over the last five (5) years invested over UGX 20bn in successful customer reward campaigns such as; Twangula, Sala Puleesa, Chamuka, Motozela, Mirindarific and many others.
To further strengthen its 300ml glass bottle category, on April 11th, this year,Pepsi unveiled the “Tukonectinge with Pepsi” under-the-crown promotion.The new campaign seeks to promote and strengthen relationships among Pepsi consumers, their families, peers and friends, as they commemorate the Easter Holidays, Eid, and Martyrs Day. Through the campaign, loyal consumers stand a chance to win 24 fully-paid trips to Dubai in the United Arab Emirates, 25 Toyota Wish cars, 24 Home Fridges as well as instant mobile money and airtime in different denominations, among other prizes.
