Beverage companies are essential parts of the Nigerian economy. They employ thousands of Nigerians and produce a wide range of popular products. These companies have been operating for many years and have a strong presence in the Nigerian market. They are all well-known for their products and have a high level of recognition. They also have a strong distribution network and can reach a broad audience. The Nigerian beverage industry is highly competitive, with new companies constantly emerging. In this article, we will discuss the top ten popular beverage companies in Nigeria.
10. SUNTORY BEVERAGE AND FOOD
Suntory beverage and food is a Japanese multinational brewing company. The company is known for manufacturing and distributing alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. The company is in different countries such as America, Asia, Europe, and many more. Suntory beverage and food decided to invest in the Nigerian economy by buying Lucozade boost and Ribena from GlaxoSmithKline, a British pharmaceutical company, in September 2013. Suntory beverage and food Nigeria Ltd is, therefore, an international brand with products in energy drinks such as; Ribena, Lucozade boost, beer, spirits, and wine. Lucozade boost used to be sold in just pharmacies until it was confirmed that Lucozade boost could also be used in sports.
9. CHI LIMITED
Chi Limited, founded in 1980, is a consumer goods organization that produces dairy, beverages, and snacks. It was founded in Nigeria by a Dutch businessman called Cornelis Vink in March 1980. The company’s headquarters is in Lagos, Nigeria, and its central manufacturing unit is also in Lagos. The significant products Chi Limited is known for include; Chivita, Happy hour, and Hollandia Yoghurt. The company holds the Nigerian license to market Capri-Sonne. Coca-Cola Company possesses ownership of the company.
8. ARLA FOODS
Arla Foods is a Danish-Swedish multinational cooperative based in Denmark. Farmers own Arla Foods, and the money is shared among them all. Arla Food produces and distributes Dano milk worldwide. Arla Foods recently signed a joint-venture agreement with Tolaram group, a Singapore private enterprise, to establish a dairy farm in Kaduna. Arla Foods is interested in enlarging its business in Nigeria by boosting dairy production. Arla Foods owns brands such as Puck, Kraft, the three cows, and Lurpak.
7. CADBURY NIGERIA PLC
The origin of Cadbury can be traced back to the 1950s when the business was founded to source cocoa beans from Nigeria. Cadbury Nigeria plc is a subsidiary of Mondelez international. The headquarters is in Lagos, and the company has a cocoa and butter processing plant in Ondo state. Cadbury Nigeria Plc is a food, drinks, and sweets company. The main products of this company are bournvita and tom-tom. Some of their products include; Cocoa powder, Candy caramel, Tom Tom, Cocoa butter, and so on.
6. FRIESLAND CAMPINA WAMCO
This company is the result of a merger between Friesland foods and Campina on 31 December 2008. Friesland Campina is a Dutch multinational dairy cooperative based in the Netherlands. The Friesland Campina WAMCO in Nigeria is a subsidiary of the one located in the Netherlands. The company produces milk powder, milk, and evaporated milk. The company produces peak milk, Nunu, coast, three crowns, and Olympic. The company became an important part of Nigerian homes after peak milk was introduced in 1954.
5. PROMASIDOR
Promasidor Nigeria Limited is a subsidiary of Promasidor Holdings in South Africa. The company was founded in Nigeria in 1993 by Robert Rose. Their headquarters is at Isolo, Lagos, Nigeria. The company used to be called Wonder Foods in 2003 but was changed to ensure uniformity. The first product introduced to the country by the company was Cowbell milk. Promasidor’s significant products include; Loyal milk, Cowbell milk, Sunvita cereal, Top tea, and Onga seasoning. The company introduced the sale of powdered milk in sachets.
4. UNILEVER
Unilever can be traced back to 1923 when the business name was still Lever Brothers. Unilever Nigeria Plc is a subsidiary of Unilever U.K. The company manufactures and markets foods, food ingredients, home care products, and personal care products. The company has manufacturing plants in Agbara, Ogun State, and Oregun, Lagos state. The company’s products include; Close up toothpaste, Lux soap, Omo washing powder, Vaseline petroleum jelly, Key soap, Lipton tea, Blue band margarine, and so on. Unilever Nigeria Plc sold 60% of its shares to the Nigerian public in 1973, making it a Nigerian-owned company. This share in ownership never affected the growth of the company.
3. NESTLE
Nestle Nigeria was founded in 1961 and used to go by the name ‘Nestle products Nigeria Limited’. Nestle is a food and beverage company and has its headquarters in Lagos. The company has two factories in Ogun state, the main factory at Agbara industrial estate, Ogun state, and a distribution center at Ota. A company in Switzerland owns Nestle. Nestle’s products include; Nescafe, milo, cerelac, Maggi, purelife water, lactogen, golden morn, and so on. Nestle also manufactures Hydrolysed plant protein mix.
2) NIGERIAN BREWERIES PLC
Nigerian breweries plc was founded in November 1966 and are the largest brewing company in Nigeria. The company sells both alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. The company is involved in the manufacturing of plastic crates, bottles, cans, labels, crown corks, and cartons. The managing director of the company is Hans Essaadi. Their headquarters is at Iganmu, Lagos. Nigerian Breweries Plc is a subsidiary of Heineken N.V, incorporated in 1946. The company was the first to start the brewing of large beers after it introduced Starlager beer in 1949. Nigerian Breweries operates eight breweries in Nigeria with a different range of products. Some of their products include; Heineken, Amstel malt, Fayrouz, Goldberg, Legend extra stout, Climax, Guinness, Maltina, Malta Gold, and many more. Nigerian breweries produce 70% of the alcohol consumed in Nigeria.
1. COCA-COLA COMPANY
Coca-cola was introduced into the Nigerian market in 1951. The Coca-cola company is an American multinational beverage organization founded in 1982 by Asa Griggs Candler. The company manufactures, sells, and markets non-alcoholic drinks. John S Pemberton, a pharmacist, invented the original coca-cola drink in 1886, and it was sold at the pharmacy until Asa Griggs bought it. The Nigerian Bottling Company, incorporated in 1951, received the license to sell and bottle products of the Coca-cola company in Nigeria. The Nigerian Bottling Company also has the right to bottle Fanta, Schweppes, Five alive, Limca, and Ginger Ale. The Coca-cola company here in Nigeria operates eight factories and fourteen distribution centers.
In conclusion, these companies have a long history in the country and have a strong presence in all regions. They offer a wide range of affordable and appealing products to consumers. All these companies have strong brand recognition and are well-positioned to continue their growth in the Nigerian market.z
