The Nation Newspaper

Category: Shopping

  • NBC releases maiden sustainability report

    Nigerian Bottling Company (NBC) has unveiled its maiden Sustainability Report.

    The Public Affairs and Communications Director, Mr. Ekuma Eze, described the report as a compilation of NBC’s social impact and environmental stewardship in the last few years.

    He stated that the report features the impact of the company’s investment in youths, women empowerment, health, environment, human capacity building and education.

    “Between 2012 and last year, NBC invested over $1billion in the local economy and is poised to invest more in expansion and upgrade of our facilities across the country to boost production capacity and create employment for Nigerians,” he added.

    He said in line with the company’s 2025 sustainability goals, the company was already diversifying its energy sources to ensure that it contributes to the Coca-Cola Hellenic Bottling Company (CCHBC) Group’s target to have a greater percentage of its energy from renewable and clean energy sources.

    Eze noted that sustainability remains a priority for driving business  at NBC, adding that the company has invested millions of dollars in installing technology in its plants to ensure the protection of water resource and that safe water is recycled into the environment.

     

  • British Airways rewards top sales agent 

    British Airways has awarded its top sales agent Finchglow Travel Agency in the West African sub-region for its contribution to the airline’s performance in 2018.

    The agency was awarded a plaque, certificate and  a business class ticket to any location on British Airways network.

    British Airways Regional Commercial Manager, Kola Olayinka said: “Our partners are an extension of our BA family and we have a strong standing relationship that we value with each and every one of them, new and old. We are always delighted to celebrate the hard work and dedication shown by them and this particular honour goes to Finchglow Travel Agency.”

    Finchglow Travel Agency Group Managing Director Bankole Bernard reaffirmed the firm’s commitment to BA.

     

  • ‘Consumers key to brand success’

    Experts have said for brands to survive in a fragmented business environment where customers’ attention is being scrambled for by various competing brands, premium should be placed on satisfying consumers’needs.

    This is moreso when it is considered that consumers give little or no attention to products, information or businesses as they are only attracted to what can  satisfy their needs.

    Speaking at a marketing conference themed: ‘Behind the brand’ organised by Platinum Connect, a Digital Strategist, Dotun Babatunde, explained that unlike in the past, consumers have become more demanding for brands to deliver real value. As such, businesses should be able to think like a consumer- know what informs their decision to patronise a product and ensure they communicate effectively using relevant channels that suit their buyers.

    According to him, the benefits of gaining buyers’ attention could not be underestimated as it promotes consumers’ affinity, trust, loyalty and yield sales.

    He observed that attracting customers to a brand is the most difficult problem for businesses, adding that consistency, clarity of messages, quality of products and focus on consumers’ behaviours are critical to gaining their attention.

    “The reality is that nobody cares about your business. They are only interested in how well your product can solve their problems. We live in an attention economy where attention is a scarce commodity. The average human attention span is about 8.5 seconds, which means you only have little seconds to make effective imprints of your brand on consumers,” Babatunde said.

    He emphasised that digital marketing has become a necessity in  a business environment, and warned that  businesses should understand the suitable touch points to communicate with their consumers.

    “Many people see digital medium as a miracle cure. It is not about the technology, it is about finding where your customers are. This involves knowing the particular digital medium to use.  It is not about being on social media, the question is, are your customers there? You need to understand the touch points to reach out to your audience,” he advised.

    Also, the Senior Manager, Trade Communication, MTN,   Kester Osahenye,  explained that  consumers  now dictate what a brand is as they are exposed and able to self-diagnose and share their experiences. He advised that as attention remains a scarce commodity, communication should be relevant, useful and interesting so as to attract consumers’ engagement.

    Platinum Connect Managing Director Atinuke Shittu said the conference was aimed at addressing the gap in marketing communications of business professionals and their consumers.

     

  • IB kicks off entrepreneurship programme

    International Breweries (IB) Plc, Ilesa, Osun state, has kicked off its  youth entrepreneurship programme tagged “Kickstart.”

    The initiative, powered by the company’s brands: Hero and Trophy larger beer, was introduced in 2016 to empower young entrepreneurs with the wherewithal to start a business venture. This is in recognition that  Nigeria’s growth depends on the ability of its enterprising youths to unlock their entrepreneurial potential.

    IB Managing Director Mrs. Annabelle Degroot said: “KickStart draws its name from the objective of the initiative, which is to empower young entrepreneurs with the basic essentials to kick-start or start-up their business ventures.  Globally, the power of transformational entrepreneurship to impact growth has become increasingly compelling especially in developing economies like ours. Entrepreneurship helps to create new products and business models, even while availing entrepreneurs fulfilling and dignified livelihoods.”

    Also, the company’s Legal & Corporate Affairs Director Otunba Michael Daramola expressed his happiness that the initiative has turned out more successful than initially envisaged.

    He said 184 youths had received grants totalling N271.129million so far from ‘Kickstart’. He added that 571 more jobs had been created with 1,392 jobs projected by 2021.   “To participate, youths are to apply at www.internationalbreweries.org, stating the nature of their prospective entrepreneurial ventures. The applications would be assessed and the most promising business cases are identified. Thereafter, the beneficiaries would go through an intensive training programme. Upon completing the training programme, seed capital, up to N3million each, is made available to successful entrepreneurs while IB Plc continues to provide guidance and mentorship, helping these young entrepreneurs to establish a strong foothold in the world of business,” Daramola explained, adding that the initiative underscores the company’s support for Nigeria’s attainment of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

  • Capri-Sun 100ml pack makes its debut

    At a retail price of N50, Capri-Sun, the fruit drink of children in Nigeria has been introduced in a new 100ml pouch size in order to meet an increasing consumer demand for more exciting and unique options.

    Available in orange and apple variants, the launch presented a key advantage to drive value and excitement into the size categories by offering an appealing product option in line with consumer expectations.

    The introduction of the new 100ml pouch size is in keeping with current trends, and is based on a richer understanding of consumer desires to enjoy handy, affordable, convenient and unique Capri-Sun experience in exciting options.

    According to Deepanjan Roy, Managing Director of Chi Limited the “Capri-Sun’s playful pouch and signature taste drives a unique experiences of fun and   have made it the preferred fruit drink for children in Nigeria. The 100ml pouch size will delight consumers who have craved for handy and pocket-friendly product choices,” he stated.

     

  • Market embraces Alaro City’s first phase

    Alaro City, the new inclusive city in the Lekki Free Zone, has sold out its first phase of “Buy & Build” residential plots. The serviced plots were fully subscribed and phase 2 is now open.  Alaro City was launched in January as a joint venture between Lagos State government and Rendeavour, the largest new city builder in Africa, to boost foreign direct investment in Nigeria and create tens of thousands of jobs.

    “We expected high uptake of the plots, but the rate at which they sold out has been exceptional,” said Odunayo Ojo, CEO of Alaro City. “Alaro City is situated in a prime location in the Lekki Free Zone, making it one of the most exciting development projects to come to Lagos State. The location and exclusive benefits have undoubtedly been key selling points for buyers,” he continued.

    Alaro City is an integrated mixed-use, city-scale development with industrial and logistics locations, complemented by offices, homes, schools, healthcare facilities, hotels, entertainment and 150 hectares (370 acres) of parks and open spaces. Asides the residential sales, there has also been a rapid uptake in commercial plots.

    Read Also: Lekki Free zone and Lagos’ economic potential

    “The Lekki-axis has been a key driver in residential real estate over recent years. Alaro City offers a unique and valued investment proposition that the market clearly recognises,” said Gbenga Olayinan, Chairman of Estate Links Limited, a leading real estate consultancy. “As with any real estate investment, the real trick is to key in early,” he continued.

    Located in the Northwest Quadrant of Lekki Free Zone, Alaro City lies in the growth path of Lagos, one of Africa’s fastest-growing cities with a population of over 20 million. Alaro City is adjacent to the future international airport, the region’s largest deep-sea port, and major Nigerian and international companies.

    Rendeavour is building seven new cities in Africa: in Nigeria, Kenya, Ghana, Zambia and Democratic Republic of the Congo. As a master developer, Rendeavour invests over $250 million in each project, creating the infrastructure and living and working spaces that will help sustain and accelerate Africa’s economic growth, meet the aspirations of Africa’s burgeoning middle classes, and serve as a catalyst for further urban development.

  • Teleco offers data bonus

    Telecommunication service provider, 9mobile, has extended its brand footprint to give more  with the new mobile device offer, which allows its customers enjoy a one-year data bonus on select smartphones, including Tecno, Infinix, Itel, Nokia 3.1Plus and Nokia 4.2 devices.

    According to Vice President, Marketing, 9mobile, Adebisi Idowu, the offer is available to new and existing subscribers and gives them the opportunity to enjoy up to 4GB one-off data upon activation, plus a one-year data bonus (up to 100 per cent) upon purchase of monthly data plans from the brand.

    Idowu said: “The new mobile device offer reinforces our unwavering commitment to give more value and benefits to our customers at all times. At 9mobile, we put our customers first and we are always passionately seeking innovative ways to ensure they get more value for their money because we are a caring network.”

     

  • Exploring untapped opportunities in food business

    An international trade show, Food and Beverage West Africa exhibition, which focused on improving the Nigerian food industry, has ended in Lagos.

    The three-day event provided business opportunities for retailers, manufacturers, suppliers and distributors to network for more market access. The exhibition, the maiden edition, was organised by BtoB Events. It attracted about 150 exhibitors from 20 countries with over 2, 000 attendees.

    Food, groceries, food processing equipment, beverages, catering and hospitality sectors, and others displayed at the event. The expo ran through June 18-20.

    BtoB Events Managing Director, Jamie Hill, explained that the exhibition was an avenue for Nigerian business owners to expand their food businesses across the country and export to the Economic Community of West Africa States (ECOWAS).

    He also noted that it was a medium to assist the Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in the country.

    “We need to keep investing in Agriculture and in our SMEs. With this yearly event, they hope to improve their expansion on the market and work towards the long term goal of increasing local production and exports from Nigeria.

    Read Also: Lagos fair to showcase food, drink opportunities

    “It is a business to business platform being the largest food and beverage trade exhibition that creates opportunities for global food businesses to come together in West Africa and meet partners and discuss new business goals,” he added.

    The event, which eld at Landmark Centre, Victoria Island, Food and Beverage West Africa exhibition enabled participants to shop from varieties of products at discounted prices. It also afforded them free practice sessions and on-site tasting of food and drinks.

    It was also an opportunity for them to have a first hand information from the makers, know how to use some items and ingredients and also got some healthy tips about the products.

    A participant, Mrs Chika Davies, who has a passion for culinary activities, learning some tips which she would explore in her home was pleasing to her.

    Some of the exhibitors commended the food expo, saying it afforded entrepreneurs, who want to go into food business to see the opportunities that lie there.

    Beyond the business benefits of the exhibition, they explained that there were still varieties of food that are yet to be explored given that agricultural products can be used to satisfy various needs.

    They noted that such platforms like food exhibitions to expose people to different kinds of foods, ingredients, how to use the ingredients, how to make beverages and prepare some foods.

    Deputy Manager (Exports), of Shangarila Private Limited, Bilal Ahmed, an exhibitor from Pakistan, noted that there are still basic knowledge for food that people are yet to know.  He said from his interaction with shoppers, he realised that there were some food ingredients, which people either do not know about or do not know they can be used in different ways.

    Likewise, Tolaro Global Director-General, Serge Kponou, a Benin Republic based firm, explained that Cashew can be used beyond just chewing the fruit.

    He highlighted the uses of cashew as a basic food item for every household which can be used as a spice for different foods, used in making soup and also used as milk.   He said it was a nutritious and healthy food, which many are not aware of.

    At the event, Nigerian businesses accounted for a third of the exhibitors. While other businesses from Pakistan, India, Benin Republic, South Africa, Morrocco, Kenya and others.

    The event also enabled registration of new members into the Restaurant and Food Services Proprietors Association of Nigeria (REFSPAN).

     

  • Brand unveils new TV commercial

    Premium lager, Guilder, has unveiled a new Television Commercial (TVC), aimed at inspiring, engaging and encouraging Nigerians to continue to celebrate the small wins on their quest for success. The new commercial is hinged on Gulder’s redefined positioning tagged: “Own Your Journey”, which was launched last January. The 60 seconds TVC features a young ambitious man, who is striving to become successful in his career. He is being discouraged by family and friends, but despite the odds, he not only pushes through and achieves great success, but he celebrates the priceless moments along the way over cold bottles of Gulder.

    Read Also: Larger beer war deepens as Gulder rebrands

    Speaking on the launch of the TVC, Brand Manager, Gulder, Kolawole Akintimehin said, “We believe it is a really nice time to be talking about owning and celebrating every level in our personal journeys.

    As a brand, we want to help our consumers own and celebrate all the spheres of their endeavors. The new TVC embodies the type of message Gulder wants to engrave in the heart of every young Nigerian, and we hope to inspire and encourage as many people as possible.”

  • Beko: Democratising technology vital

    Democratising technology by producing the right products and offering after-sales support services are important elements in deepening technology adoption, United Kingdom’s leading home appliances brand, Beko, said yesterday.

    Its Regional Director, sub-Sahara Africa, Evren Albas, who spoke during the official launch of the firm’s products  in Lagos, said with its presence in the country, consumers will now be able to enjoy a wide range of high-quality products.

    He said as part of the firm’s marketing plan strategy, it is offering after-sale technical services, adding that in line with the peculiar energy challenge of the country,  the firm has designed energy saving appliances that can uses solar energy.

    “In Nigeria, we democratise technology for the people by giving them maximum after-sales support. We also intend to create maximum awareness through the use of popular media platforms such as television, radio, outdoor and the internet,” he said.

    Read Also: Washing machines: All you need to know

    Beko showcased its environmentally-friendly products that maintain higher energy efficiency than other brands. These products include the solar refrigerator and chest freezer range of products which run on solar energy. Beko solar products will assist communities where there is no electricity grid yet or those who would like to depend less on the power supply from the national grid.

    Its Logistics Manager, Ajibola Okewale, said it was through collaborative effort that Beko was brought into the country so that Nigerians can enjoy the benefit of having a long lasting products from its stable.

    He said: “Beko promises to deliver your products at your door step and give after sale services where necessary so that you can get the right type of output. Our service centre is at Oregun. We will also ensure that we have distribution centres and big cities across the country with value added products to the door steps of the Nigeria population and take advantage of this opportunity.

    “We are excited at this new joint venture and we ask that Nigerians join us to take advantage of this great opportunity of this great product that has come to our door step.”