What springs to mind when you hear “Guinness”? It is most likely the rich stout that is famous the world over. In Nigeria, however, Guinness Nigeria PLC represents something different: A beverage company that has tremendous economic power, impacts local growth and innovation, and is committed to brand building and deep-rooted corporate social responsibilities.
Guinness Nigeria PLC proactively addresses important social, environmental and economic issues throughout the country. Aside from manufacturing beverages, the company seeks to strengthen Nigeria’s economy in the manufacturing sector and promote employment opportunities.
This article is a case study on the company’s history, notable beverages, stock performance, job vacancies, and more.
Overview of Guinness Nigeria PLC
Guinness Nigeria is a subsidiary of Diageo PLC, one of the largest alcoholic beverage companies in the United Kingdom. Incorporated in 1962, Guinness Nigeria is one of the oldest manufacturing companies on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE).
Guinness Nigeria is a public liability company and one of the leading brewers in the country, manufacturing alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.
Key Facts:
- Founded: 1962
- Headquarters: Ikeja, Lagos
- Parent Company: Diageo Plc (owns 58% shareholding)
- Stock Symbol: GUINNESS (NSE)
- 1962: Incorporated in Nigeria
- 1963: First brewery commissioned in Ikeja
- 1997: Launched Harp Lager and Satzenbrau
- 2003: Commissioned Benin Brewery
- 2012: Acquired distribution rights for Diageo’s international spirits
- 2020s: Focused on expanding non-alcoholic lines and digitizing distribution
History and Milestones
Guinness Nigeria’s journey began when it became the first Guinness brewery outside of Ireland and the UK. It started operations in 1963 with the first bottle of Guinness Foreign Extra Stout brewed in Ikeja.
Guinness Nigeria’s Iconic Products
Guinness Nigeria offers a rich portfolio of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages tailored to suit Nigerian tastes.
Alcoholic Beverages:
- Guinness Foreign Extra Stout (FES) – The flagship product, rich and full-bodied.
- Guinness Smooth – A smoother, easy-drinking stout introduced for younger consumers.
- Harp Lager Beer – A crisp lager for those who prefer lighter beers.
- Satzenbrau – A German-style beer made with Nigerian drinkers in mind.
- Origin Herbal Drink – A unique African herb-based bitter drink.
- Smirnoff Ice & Gordon’s Spark – Premium ready-to-drink alcoholic beverages.
🧃 Non-Alcoholic Beverages:
- Malta Guinness – One of Nigeria’s most beloved malt drinks, packed with energy.
- Dubic Malt – A more affordable malt beverage.
- Orijin Zero – A non-alcoholic version of the popular Orijin brand.
Manufacturing Facilities and Operations
Guinness Nigeria operates three major breweries across the country:
- Ikeja Brewery – The original and oldest plant
- Benin Brewery – Commissioned in 2003 to expand capacity
- Ogba Brewery – Produces various premium and mainstream brands
The company uses state-of-the-art brewing technology and prioritizes local sourcing of raw materials like sorghum, maize, and barley to support Nigerian agriculture.
Guinness Nigeria and the Nigerian Stock Exchange
Guinness Nigeria PLC is under the ticker GUINNESS on the Nigerian Exchange Group (NGX) and is among the most important consumer goods stock in the country.
Stock Insights:
- Dividend-paying stock with a history of returns
- Long-term shareholders and institutional investors are more active in this stock.
- Regularly features in top-10 consumer goods companies on the NGX
CAREERS AT GUINNESS NIGERIA
Job Opportunities at Guinness Nigeria
Are you an experienced professional or a graduate taking the first steps in your career? there are lots of opportunities to join Guinness Nigeria team of talented and dedicated employees.
Guinness Nigeria Internships
The Guinness Nigeria Internship Program gives undergraduates and recent graduates with real-world job experience as well as the ability to pursue their interests and develop professional skills.
Guinness Nigeria Undergraduate Scholarship
This scholarship reinforces Guinness Nigeria’s commitment to implementing transformative programs that promote youth development. The scholarship would cover full tuition for students currently enrolled in public Nigerian universities.
Students in host communities are encouraged to apply.
Eligibility:
- Applications are open to students studying the following courses: STEM courses (science, technology, engineering, and maths)
- Candidates must be second-year students at public Nigerian universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education.
Business & Partnership Opportunities
Guinness Nigeria PLC welcomes collaborations with:
✔ Retailers & wholesalers seeking alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks to stock
✔ Distributors looking for marketable products
Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)
Through various CSR initiatives, Guinness Nigeria focuses on health, education, water, and economic empowerment.
Key CSR Initiatives:
- Water of Life Project – Fights poverty by supplying clean drinking water to disadvantaged areas.
- Eye Care Program – Gives eye examinations and surgeries at no charge.
- Scholarship Programs – Assists students pursuing science and engineering.
- Empower Women and Youth – Provides skills training and micro-grants.
Contact Information of Guinness Nigeria
Guinness Nigeria Headquarters,
Address: Cocoa Industries Road (Guinness Road)
Ogba Ikeja Lagos.
Phone: Tel: 020 1 270 9100
Email: info@guinnessng.com
Website: https://guinness-nigeria.com/
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Who is the new owner of Guinness Nigeria PLC?
A: The new owner of Guinness Nigeria PLC is Tolaram, a Singapore-based company. Tolaram acquired Diageo’s 58.02% shareholding in Guinness Nigeria, marking a significant transition in ownership
Q2: What is the current price per share of Guinness Nigeria PLC?
A: Check current Guinness Nigeria stock price online
Q3: What products does Guinness Nigeria PLC make?
A: Key products include Guinness Stout, Malta Guinness, Harp, Orijin, and Smirnoff Ice.
Q4: Where is the Guinness factory in Nigeria?
A: Ikeja Lagos, Benin and Ogba
Q5: Who is the MD of Guinness Nigeria?
A: The Managing Director (MD) and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Guinness Nigeria PLC is Adebayo Alli. He was appointed to the role effective January 1, 2024, making him the first Nigerian MD of Guinness Nigeria since 2015
Conclusion
Guinness Nigeria PLC remains a dominant force in Nigeria’s brewing and beverage industry, providing high-quality, innovative, and responsibly produced drinks for millions of consumers.
Whether you’re looking for trusted beverage brands, retail partnerships, or industry insights, Guinness Nigeria PLC continues to set the standard for excellence in Nigeria’s FMCG sector.
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