Alcohol manufactures, importers sign new code to commit to highest standards

Members of the Association of Alcohol Manufacturers and Importers (AAMI) have signed the ‘Code of Commercial Communications’ to regulate the conduct of their business.

The code, according the association, “represents a firm commitment by member companies of the Association to maintain the highest standards in all their commercial communications.”

This includes advertising in all print and electronic media, packaging, merchandising, consumer promotions, product placement, point of sale information, sponsorship and research.

The code will also ensure effective self-regulation of members, which is essential to the Association’s partnership with government and maintaining public trust. It outlines the roles and responsibilities and association, laying emphasis on the dos and don’ts.

Speaking at the launch of the code, Adjoba Kyiamah, Corporate Relations Director of Accra Brewery and Chairperson of AAMI said “AAMI is dedicated to the development of responsible norms in society that promote our consumer decision-making abilities to make informed choices.”

Deputy CEO of Food at the Food and Drug Authority Isabella Mensa Agra, said she is happy with the progress made by the Association to self regulate its members.

This however does not take out the role of FDA in regulating the members of the Association, she stressed.

Stakeholders from the Food and Drugs Authority, Ministry of Health, Ghana Standards Authority were present to witness the signing, which took place at the African Regent hotel.

The Association of Alcohol Manufacturers and Importers was established in 2008 as an industry body representing the interests of manufacturers and importers of alcoholic beverages. Current members of the Association include Accra Brewery, Guinness Ghana, Kasapreko, Forewin Ghana, West Coast beverages, TT Brothers, Distell, Say Cheers, Imexco Ghana Ltd, Caves and Gardens and AJS Company Ltd. Others are; Macbells, Market Direct Ltd, Don Emilio, Punjab Company Limited, Agya Appiah Bitters, IndusBev, Oheneba Kasempa, Nonsolo Vino Ltd, GIHOC Distilleries, Jubel Investments, Kings Crown Ltd, Dontoh Herbal, Kingdom Herbal Ltd and Joy Industries.