SON Debunks Claims On Fake Amstel Malta
The Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON) has debunked the claims of a fake Amstel Malta in circulation, even as the Police authorities have also commenced investigation on the matter.
The Deputy Director, Mr. Fred Akingbesote, who represented the Director General of the organisation, while speaking on the development in Lagos, noted that Nigerian Breweries have met all SON safety and quality requirements and have complied with all requirements of the new National Industrial Standard (NIS) logo.
In August 2016, Amstel Malta, the premium, low sugar formulated malt drink from the stable of Nigerian Breweries, launched a new credential campaign WhyAddMore. Shortly after the campaign, a picture went viral that a fake version of the Amstel Malta is in circulation.
This was because the new packaging wore the new NIS logo while the old packaging had the old NIS logo of SON.
Akingbesote confirmed that the NIS logo on Amstel Malta is the highest mark of quality from SON and commended the management of Nigerian Breweries for its commitment to the highest quality standard. He stated that Nigerian Breweries is one of the first companies to adopt the new NIS logo which was launched in September 2015.
Maintaining that the people behind the defamation are just playing on the intelligence of Nigerians, he said: “We have a web site (www.son.gov.ng) which contains all information on our standards and quality regulations. Every Nigerian who has doubts about any product certified by SON should crosscheck the facts.”
Also speaking on the occasion, Nigerian Breweries Plc Corporate Affairs Adviser, Kufre Ekanem, explained that the Amstel Malta was one of the first brands to comply with SON directives. He added that the brand revised its packaging in line with the guidelines and approval of National Agency for Food, Drug Administration and Control(NAFDAC) and in compliance with the new mandatory NIS quality logo from the SON
“In the normal course of product and packaging renovation, old packaging and the new introduction co-exist in the market until the old one dries out. In view of the twelve month shelf life, we currently have Amstel Malta with both the old and new packaging in some parts of the market,” Ekanem said.
He assured consumers that every pack of Amstal Malta contains the same premium quality malt drink that they have come to love. He informed that the company has reported the defamation attempt to the police and remains grateful that the Police authorities are investigating the case further.
