Blowchem Industries Limited, producers of Bel-Aqua Mineral Water, Bel Beverages, and Bel-Pak Tissues, has hosted the first-ever Hawker Conference, a groundbreaking initiative and the first of its kind by a Ghanaian company.

This historic event, which brought together over 250 Hawker Agents, celebrated the invaluable role of street hawkers in making Bel-Aqua the preferred bottled water brand on Ghana’s bustling streets.

For years, these hardworking men and women have braved the sun, rain, and relentless traffic to deliver refreshing Bel Aqua to millions. On this day, however, the spotlight turned on them.

Hawker leaders, including the influential “Hawker Agent” and her team, proudly shared how Bel Aqua has not only become their number one choice to sell, but also a product that has transformed their daily income and strengthened their standing in the community.

“This brand has been our backbone,” Madam Christiana from Dzorwulu said. “When you walk the streets with Bel Aqua, customers call you over before you even reach them. It sells itself.”

In a series of heartfelt testimonies, hawkers spoke about how Bel Aqua’s consistent quality, trusted reputation, and strong consumer demand have made it the product they are proud to represent — a choice that has boosted their sales and sustained their livelihoods.

The atmosphere was one of pride and validation, with hawker agents expressing gratitude for the recognition and appreciation. Mr. Maxwell Ofosu Arko, a hawker agent from Kasoa, summed up the sentiment:

“Distributors and wholesalers often get recognition, but this is the first time we, the people on the streets, have been honored. It means a lot.”

Mr. Kofi Polley, Head of Sales for Bel Aqua, expressed the company’s profound gratitude to the hawkers for their relentless work in making Bel Aqua and Bel Beverages leaders in their respective categories.

“This is a clear statement that your role matters,” he told the packed audience. “Without your daily effort and persistence, our products would not reach as many people as they do.

Today, Bel Aqua is the number one bottled water brand in Ghana because of your contributions. Bel Beverages is also a market leader with flagship products like Bel Cola, Pukka, Bel Aqua Active, and the Bel Squeeze range. We are profoundly grateful to you.”

Mr. Kofi Polley also acknowledged the concerns raised by the agents regarding limited stock availability and assured them that supply will improve significantly from November 2025, with the commissioning of Bel-Aqua’s new state-of-the-art factory, equipped with increased production lines and capacity.

Mr. Christopher Addo-Sarkodie, Head of Marketing for Bel Aqua, described the special engagement with the hawkers as part of a broader effort to strengthen ties within the distribution network.

He revealed that the company has developed a tailored marketing strategy for this channel, one designed to maximize brand visibility, drive consumer engagement, and implement targeted trade promotions that directly benefit hawkers and their agents.

“You are a vital part of why our brands are trusted across the country, and we want to ensure you have the tools, resources, and recognition you deserve,” he added.

Mr. Saurabh Sharma, Head of Sales for Bel-Pak Tissues, commended the hawkers for their resilience and dedication. He expressed his company’s interest in exploring future partnerships with hawkers to expand Bel-Pak’s reach and strengthen its position in the everyday retail space.

“Like Bel Aqua, Bel-Pak is committed to supporting the hardworking men and women who form the backbone of Ghana’s street economy,” he noted.

The conference was more than a ceremony; it was a powerful statement of Bel Aqua’s new direction, one where community engagement, women’s empowerment, and the shared goal of keeping Ghana hydrated take center stage.

For the hawkers, it was a day of pride, recognition, and renewed partnership. For Bel Aqua, it was another step in cementing its place not just as a market leader, but as a community ally committed to changing lives one bottle at a time.