Gebreselassie Sefer

ABYSSINIA BUSINESS NETWORK ABN

Photo By BGI

Gebreselassie Sefer Commercial PR Manager

ABN: Describe the information communication technology (ICT) being implemented in the company?

BGI ICT is the backbone of our business in implementing steps from production to selling techniques to manpower support in a structured way.

ABN: How do you monitor and evaluate the professional capacity of your employees at different levels?

Key-Responsibility-Areas (KRA) are defined and shared to the respective employee and will be evaluated accordingly at a set timeline. Regular trainingsare also conducted to enhancethe employee productivity.

ABN: What are the contributions of the company to the socioeconomic development, and beautification efforts being undertaken in the capital of Addis Ababa?

BGI Addis Ababa being the capital, a great effort has been doneto support the city in different areas; developing park,support in cleaning the city and on different occasion securing own land and planting trees to protect the environment.

The recently opened 'Entoto Park' has positively altered the landscape of the city with its marvelous aesthetic as well as promotion of healthy living. It has become a culmination of household names coming together to change the livelihoods of those around the area for the better. BGI stepped up in constructing Sen'q shops, retail businesses that aim to change a towering legacy of women's poverty.

Drawing upon the love of motherhood, these shops opened to provide job security for women whose livelihoods depended on the collection of firewood from the forest. BGI intends to take this even further by expanding this project into upcoming mega-projects in Addis Ababa.

ABN: Tell us about your new beer products. Doppel and Sen’q malt, nonalcoholic beer.How is the Market? Why are you interested to come up with such products?

BGI We have taken our time in preparing products that meet the highest quality standards, crafted within the latest technology. No resources have been spared in presenting a product brimming with excellence. To this end, in 2020 the company has introduced two brands Doppel and Sen’q to address the needs of the diverse consumers.

Doppel Brown Beeris the first Ethiopian Brown Beer with a golden color /shade. This makes it the eccentric and taste-rich product that it is.Doppel is a product that has entered the market with a firm flavor in hopes to leave consumers with a taste they will never forget. It is made for consumers who are looking for a change of pace in their beer preference, one of bold taste.Doppel Brown Beer is produced keeping in line with state-of-the-art technology and innovative brewing techniques from the finest of ingredients. This is to meet the aim of satisfying consumers to the fullest. Bold Taste acquired through the perfect balance of fine ingredients with the 5% Alcohol content.

Sen’q is setting the trend in the Malt industry by embedding Vanilla and Ethiopian coffee for a rich taste and high quality. From the usual standards of focusing on Malt-centered production, this product takes it a step further in giving the consumer an energy boost full of flavors.Sen’q Malt Drink is completely free from alcohol and suitable for those seeking a refreshing and nutritious taste to satisfy their thirst.The source of its complementary health benefits and nutrition come from the process of fortifying it with essential minerals and vitamins. It is a taste to behold as well as one to nourish the body.

ABN: Have you faced any challenges during your

ABYSSINIA BUSINESS NETWORK ABN

Photo By BGI

operation? If so, what are the challenges?

BGI So far, the operation is going smoothly as planned and well received by the respective consumers.

ABN: It’s well known that BGI owns and manages the Castel Winery and Vineyard located in Zeway town. Tell us about the motive behind its establishment, its productions, employees, and other related issues?

BGI In-order to put Ethiopia in the wine map, BGI Ethiopia has selectedZeway as its base due to its environment suitability and availability of sufficient water. The company has also brought wine experts from France to look over the winery. The modern farm is sited in 600 Hectare. The product portfolio includes: Acacia, Rift Valley and Prestige with 2 White, 2 Rose and 6 Red Wines. The winery has also opened huge employment opportunity for the locals and created an investment opportunity for Ethiopia.

ABN: What are the company’s key achievements?

BGI Ethiopia has been increasing itsbrewery footprintthrough the years. Currently, we have 5 different breweries located in Addis Ababa, Hawassa, Kombolcha, Raya and Welkite. Raya and Zebidar Breweries are the latest addition.Furthermore, Castel Winery, BGI’s sister company, located in Zeway, is brewingand distributing widerange of quality wine countrywide and beyond.

As a category leader, our Breweries and Winery have created employment opportunities for thousands of local/expat employees. In the long term is to put Ethiopia in the first place in the category of beer and wine in the African Map.

ABN: What are the major social responsibilities BGI has undertaken so far in Ethiopia?

ABN: Tell us about your short and long-term plans?

BGI Ethiopia has short and long-term plans. Short term is to continue to train, equip and empower our employees to overcome the current health challenges in the marketplaceand to be able to serve the consumer with extra care.

BGI Ethiopia has been actively engaged in the ongoing CSR activities aimed at empowering employees, promote workplace safety, protect the environment, healthcare, education, art, sport, infrastructure, supporting disability and engagement with NGO. It will also continue to work closely with its stakeholders by timely addressing the challenges in the above sectors.

Hyatt Regency:

Uniquely Ethiopian

Hyatt Regency Hotel has gained reputation for its unique archtectural presenation, interior design, facilities and hotel related services. Cluster General Manager Heddo Siebs wants to share some of its features with ABN readers.

ABN:Tell us a little bit about Hyatt Regency Addis Ababa at a global level, and the reason it began operatingng here in Ethiopia.

Heddo : what makes the Hyatt Regency brand unique is that we are energizing. We are the go-to gathering place: a dynamic spot where guests can relax, meet, engage and recharge. We are insightful. Here, we do things the smart way, not just the way they have always been done before. We are always thinking one step ahead, satisfying guests’ needs in unique, delightful and surprising ways, as they go through their day. We are confident. We are innovators in the hospitality business and experts at providing the experiences, care and amenities our guests want, all delivered with enthusiasm and pride. They can feel relaxed and confident because we have got everything covered.

ABN: Can you describe the hotel in terms of size, location and peculiarity?

Heddo : Hyatt Regency Addis Ababa is located just 15 minutes from Bole Iinternational Airport, and centrally located on Meskel Square, connecting the large artery roads of Addis Ababa. The hotel stands within a short walking distance of the United Nations Conference center and within a 15-minute drive of the African Union Headquarters, with the largest conference facilities in the country. The presidential palace, government and business offices are also within short reach of the hotel. The hotel building centers around a courtyard with landscaped gardens and water features while accommodating service areas from meeting venues, dining spaces to recreational areas. Hyatt Regency Addis Ababa is a service destination within Addis Ababa where our guests can confidently leave every detail to us so they can focus on what matters to them most during their stay with us.188 well-appointed guestrooms, including twelve Regency Suites, two Regency Executive Suites, one 125 sq m (1,345 sqft) Presidential Suite overlooking Meskel Square and one 450 sq m (4,843 sqft) Royal Presidential Suite with four bedrooms. Hyatt Regency Addis Ababa is also a vibrant dining destination where guests can enjoy a range of international flavors and local cuisine without leaving the hotel.