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JULY 18, 2025

‘BREWING’ VALUE ADDITION

Zambian Breweries cheers Luapula cassava farmers powering Eagle Lager

LUAPULA, ZAMBIA – Zambian Breweries has reaffirmed its commitment to rural development and agricultural transformation by celebrating cassava farmers in Luapula Province, part of the cassava-growing belt of Zambia where it sources cassava for brewing Eagle Lager.

At the Cassava Farmers Day held in Milenge District, the company paid tribute to smallholder farmers whose efforts have contributed significantly to the production of Eagle Lager, one of Zambia’s first commercially brewed beers using cassava. Since its launch the cassava out-grower scheme programme has invested heavily in the local economy, supporting livelihoods and creating sustainable market access for farmers across the region.

Speaking on behalf of the Provincial Minister, Luapula Province Permanent Secretary Prudence Mwansa Chinama commended the partnership between the private and public sector, describing the initiative as a driver of inclusive economic growth.

“This occasion is a powerful demonstration of our government’s commitment to rural industrialization, value addition and wealth creation. Zambian Breweries’ cassava out-grower scheme is more than corporate social responsibility; it is a strategic partnership with the government’s ‘Plant Zambia, Feed Zambia, Build Zambia’ agenda. An initiative that stands as an example of how private sector innovation can be harnessed to drive inclusive growth that leaves no farmer, no village, and no province behind.”

“We celebrate you our farmers, the unsung heroes behind our much-loved beer products. Your hard work and dedication are the foundation of not just our produce, but of Zambia’s push toward a more sustainable and inclusive economy,” said Zambian Breweries Country Director Thais Cavinatto. “Quality beer starts with quality ingredients,” she added.

Zambian Breweries proudly incorporates cassava sourced from farmers in Luapula Province into the production of Eagle Lager, Eagle Extra Lager, and Mosi Light—bringing a distinct taste of rural Zambia to some of the nation’s most iconic beers.

By embedding cassava into its product portfolio, the company is not only scaling demand for this important crop but also strengthening its commitment to local sourcing and inclusive value chains that uplift small-scale farmers.

This approach reflects a broader philosophy: beer is natural, local, and inclusive—contributing meaningfully to agricultural development and rural livelihoods.

Luapula has long been recognized as Zambia’s cassava heartland and Zambian Breweries’ initiative has provided a consistent off-take mechanism that helps farmers transition from subsistence to commercial agriculture. By working with local farmer groups and aggregators; the brewing giant offers training in improved agronomic practices, sustainable farming, and financial literacy.

The recognition ceremony also highlighted the broader impact of the cassava value chain in driving Zambia’s rural development agenda. By aligning with government goals for agro-industrialisation and local sourcing, Zambian Breweries continues to position itself as a partner in national progress.

Echoing the importance of private sector investment, Musika Managing Director Reuben Banda added: “Zambian Breweries is one of the best examples of a corporate citizen providing added value such as the assurance of a ready and transparent market for small-scale farmers’ crops, access to inputs and new technologies, and the provision off extension services.”

“Zambian Breweries is especially proud of the Village Savings Groups, many of which are led by women and youth; proving that when we invest in rural communities, we invest in Zambia’s future with more cheers,” Ms Cavinatto said.

Through Eagle Lager and its cassava-based products, Zambian Breweries has shown how local sourcing can stimulate job creation, reduce reliance on imports, and build pride in Zambian-made products. The brand has gained strong traction among consumers, with demand growing at 48% annually since its launch. The company reaffirmed its plans to expand the cassava programme into neighbouring districts and increase farmer participation in the next market season.

Ms Chinama reiterated the President of Zambia’s words, that the path to Zambia’s prosperity runs through the Luapula fields: “Cassava is our past, present and future.”

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About Zambian Breweries
Zambian Breweries Plc is part of Anheuser-Busch InBev (AB InBev), the largest brewer in the world, with more than 500 beer brands and some 200,000 employees in over 50 countries. It is also one of the world’s largest bottlers of soft drinks. 
Zambian Breweries was established in Zambia in 1968 and its product range has grown to include clear beers such as Mosi Premium Lager, Mosi Light, Castle, Carling Black Label, Eagle, Stella Artois, and Budweiser. 

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Gillian Langmead at Langmead & Baker Ltd
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