OnTap Magazine

ontapmag.co.za | Summer 2024 | 35 helped us forge stronger partnerships. For instance, when local artists or musicians perform at Bature, they bring their own fanbase, who in turn get introduced to our brand. These events become mutual opportunities to connect with new audiences, allowing both Bature and our partners to expand our reach. Ultimately, turning the brewery into an event space has been essential in solidifying Bature as a brand that’s both culturally relevant and socially connected. We’re not just selling beer; we’re cultivating a space that’s inclusive and reflective of the Lagos spirit. This approach has given Bature a distinct advantage, as we’ve evolved from a brewing space into a cultural hub where experiences are crafted just as carefully as our beer. “BEER NO GET ENEMY!” INVESTING IN A MARKETING BUDGET Running a craft brewery is not just about brewing great beer; it’s also about backing a brand identity that resonates. Determining a marketing budget for a brewery like Bature required us to balance our ambitions with our resources, focusing on strategies that would bring the most impact. The craft beer market in Lagos is still growing, which means we needed to allocate our budget in ways that build brand awareness and create lasting impressions. For Bature, this has meant investing in experiences over traditional advertising, as mentioned earlier. We made a deliberate choice to put a significant portion of our marketing budget into community events, collaborations, and digital storytelling, all of which have allowed us to build our audience in an organic and meaningful way. This approach has proven effective in helping Bature stand out in a competitive market. Rather than spreading our budget thin across multiple channels, we’ve concentrated on areas that allow for deeper engagement. For example, our investment in the Bature Brewery space itself has allowed us to host unique events that double as marketing opportunities, while our focus on digital storytelling has enabled us to engage audiences across Lagos and gain international recognition for our creative approach. Allocating a marketing budget for a craft brewery is no small task—and not always prioritised—but our guiding principle has always been to invest in areas where we can create genuine connections. In doing this, Bature has built a loyal customer base who see the brand as more than just a brewery, but as a creative force in the community. EXPANDING BATURE’S LEGACY Looking forward, our vision for Bature Breweryistokeepexpandingwhilestaying true to the values that have brought us here. From its early beginnings, Bature has grown beyond what many believed possible—building a loyal following, a celebrated event space, and a brand that Lagos can proudly call its own. AsNigeria's first craft brewery, we've witnessed firsthand that success hinges not only on product quality but also on a deep connection with the people we serve. Our journey has taken Bature from a concept some thought unviable to a brand that's captured Lagos' imagination. Today, our beers are part of the city's identity, thanks to the trust and support we've earned by honouring Nigeria's unique stories, flavours, and artistry. Looking ahead, we see opportunities to expand Bature's legacy to new audiences, taking Nigeria's craft beer not just across Lagos but potentially to new regions and countries. It's been an incredible privilege to play a role in Bature's journey from its early days to where it stands now—a vibrant community hub, a recognised cultural force, and a beacon of creativity for Lagos and beyond. As we like to say: no wahala, just great beers! Bature opens new taproom in October 2024 in Lagos The taproom reopening week had artists such as Mádé Kuti & more performing