Episode 99: From a Cold Store in an Apartment to Building Nigeria’s First Craft Brewery [with Bature Brewery]

From a cold store in an apartment that leaked into his neighbour’s flat below to building a second larger brewery in Lagos, Kevin Bature and co-founder James Turley set up Nigeria’s first craft brewery, Bature Brewery. With a vision to produce high quality beers in West Africa, Bature Brewery is a cross pollination of international ownership and is working towards giving its dedicated team of brewers and employees part ownership in the company. Bature Brewery has a deep commitment to Nigeria and its vast potential that explores every opportunity to show the possibilities of doing business in Nigeria, ethically, transparently and successfully. Having befriended Kevin earlier this year and worked on a project with him and fellow entrepreneur Emeka Eluemunor, I became fascinated with the story and journey Bature Brewery have been on over the last several years. Kevin and I caught up prior to Christmas 2020 to talk about why he relocated to Nigeria 11 years ago and committed to the country; how he and James set up and grew the brewery; the many challenges being a small brewery in Nigeria; and the impact craft beer and other artisanal businesses are having in West Africa. For more info about Bature Brewery, visit baturebrewery.com --- Given that, as you’ll hear, we didn’t have any Bature Brewery beer on hand to sample during this episode, we crack open a can of Gweilo Beer Sudoku Golden Stout. Gweilo are a Hong Kong based brewery who are going global, partnering here in the UK with Vocation Brewery and are collaborating with a variety of breweries to deliver redefining beers. Sudoku Golden Stout and their other recent collaborations with Fierce Beer can be purchased online at gweilobeer.co.uk --- This week’s show is sponsored by SSV Limited From tanks to full brewhouses SSV Limited have got you covered. In just five short years SSV Limited have established themselves as the go to partner to help you grow or launch your brewery. High quality tanks, parts, brewing kit and the knowledge and experience to ensure your project runs smoothly from beginning to completion. Their recently opened parts shop stocks well over 1000 essential brewing parts to keep your brewery up and running. Visit their website on www.ssvlimited.co.uk and check out their latest projects. --- Find out more from Hop Forward and our partners… Follow is on Social Media: Facebook / Instagram / Twitter / LinkedIn Visit hopforward.beer for more insights and a range of branding, marketing and business development services to help you and your beer business get ahead. Join our Facebook Community to connect with other industry professionals from across the globe Check out brewing-jobs.com for all the latest jobs and careers across the brewing and beverage industry