Gandhi Anandan, the CEO of Stellar Beverage, has stirred debate by asserting that alcohol in small sachets is preferable to larger bottles as it helps deter over-consumption.
Also read: Sachet and PET bottles ban: Implications for environment, unemployment
Speaking at a press conference on the enforcement of the ban imposed by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Anandan defended the use of sachets during a question-and-answer session with journalists at the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) office in Lagos on Friday, February 9, 2024.
Anandan argued that packaging alcoholic beverages in sachets or smaller quantities promotes moderation among consumers, contrasting it with the potential for excess associated with larger bottles.
Stellar Beverage, a Nigerian based importer, blender and bottling company with a primary focus in the alcoholic beverage industry, boasts a range of popular brands, including Captain Jack Rums, Big Ben London Dry Gin, Royal Standard Blended Whisky, Macarthur’s Blended Scotch Whisky, Tusker Alcoholic Bitters, and NiGinger Fire Ginger Liquor.
However, MAN has expressed concerns over NAFDAC’s ban, estimating potential losses of over N800 billion in investments and endangering approximately 5.5 million direct and indirect jobs.
Segun Ajayi-Kadir, Director General of MAN, highlighted the significant investments made by industries in the alcoholic beverage sector, spanning production, packaging, distribution, logistics, and advertising. He emphasized the substantial financial obligations owed to both local and foreign financial institutions, underlining the potential economic ramifications of the ban.
NAFDAC, however, argues that the ban is urgent because it abets under-age children, commercial vehicle drivers, and riders to abuse alcohol recklessly.
The debate surrounding the ban on alcohol sachets continues, with stakeholders weighing the implications for both public health and industry livelihoods.
Ojelabi, the publisher of Freelanews, is an award winning and professionally trained mass communicator and a recipient of the D9112 Superstar Icon Award, who writes ruthlessly about pop culture, religion, politics and entertainment.
