NEW YORK (AP) — Brewer SABMiller PLC has won nearly $1 million to develop a beer brewed with cassava and to source the root plant locally to help small-scale farmers in Sudan.
The brewer, known for brands such as Miller Lite and Grolsch, said in a news release Friday the money comes from the Africa Enterprise Challenge Fund. SABMiller will contribute more than $2 million — bringing the total investment to about $3 million.
The London-based company, though its subsidiary Southern Sudan Beverages, will guarantee purchases of cassava from small farmers at pre-negotiated prices, which will reduce the need for imports and provide more stability to the farmers.
The project is expected to help 2,000 farmers by the end of the third year.
Southern Sudan Beverages first started making the area's first locally produced beer, White Bull Lager, in 2009.
