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Tag: FrieslandCampina WAMCO

  • FrieslandCampina WAMCO, 2Scale partner on milk production

    Dairy giant FrieslandCampina WAMCO and 2Scale are collaborating to deepen the inclusive model for local sourcing of fresh milk in Nigeria in line with FrieslandCampina WAMCO’s Dairy Development Programme (DDP).

    2Scale is an incubator programme that manages a portfolio of Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) for inclusive business in gri-food sectors and industries.

    It offers a range of support services to Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) and farmer groups and partners, enabling them to produce, transform and supply quality food products.

    Through its DDP partnership with 2Scale, FrieslandCampina WAMCO has been deepening the dairy market by increasing the volume of fresh milk from empowered dairy farmers.

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    It has also been creating employment by empowering women and youths both on-farm and off-farm; thus improving food safety and enhancing nutrition.

    The Netherlands’ Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation, Mrs. Sigrid Kaag, affirmed that given the consistent result FrieslandCampina WAMCO has recorded in local milk sourcing, Nigeria has the right partner to stimulate growth in the industry.

    Kaag made this statement  during  a visit to FrieslandCampina WAMCO Nigeria, where she confirmed the progress of FrieslandCampina WAMCO’s DDP.

    The Minister also witnessed the signing of the partnership extension agreement on the DPP between FrieslandCampina WAMCO Nigeria PLC and International Fertiliser Development Center (IFDC), which represents 2Scale.

    While FrieslandCampina WAMCO Nigeria PLC was represented by its Managing Director, Mr. Ben Langat, IFDC was represented by its President and CEO, Mr. Albin Hubscher.

  • FrieslandCampina WAMCO posts N149.2b turnover

    FrieslandCampina WAMCO Nigeria Plc, makers of milk brands, Peak and Three Crowns, has recorded a turnover of N149.2 billion, representing a six per cent increase over N140.1 billion recorded in 2017.

    Profit before income tax increased by three per cent, from N15.9 billion reported in the previous year to N16.3 billion.

    The shareholders approved a total dividend payout of N9.27 per N0.50, having paid an interim dividend of N2.91 per N0.50 share in October 2018; and a final dividend payout of N6.36 per N0.50 share.

    The result was announced at the Company’s 46th Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Lagos, during the week.

    Although businesses generally experienced low consumer spends during the year under review, FrieslandCampina WAMCO showed significant commercial and financial improvement compared to 2017, recording impressive volumes through its brands.

    Its performance earned its board and management the shareholders’ commendation, with the shareholders noting that the 2018 result reflected a solid business and the strength of its operations.

    At the AGM, the company also declared major milestones in its Dairy Development Programme (DPP), which included construction of additional milk collection points to support milk collection; investment in milk trucks and farm machinery; and the establishment of four dairy cooperatives.

    Commenting on the Company’s first quarter performance and outlook for 2019, its Managing Director, Mr. Ben Langat, said FrieslandCampina WAMCO delivered a strong result in Q1 2019 with 10 per cent topline sales growth vs Q1 2018.

    “As a company, we remain positive and confident about the future. We are assured that our brands, which are leading in the market, will continue to grow. We will sustain the current initiatives that have proven to be effective and develop innovation that consolidates our market leadership to meet the everyday needs of our customers and consumers,” he said.

     

  • FrieslandCampina WAMCO fetes 1,000 dairy farmers

    FrieslandCampina WAMCO, makers of Peak and Three Crowns dairy brands, has treated over 1,000 dairy farmers to a surprise Peak Breakfast as part of activities to celebrate this year’s World Milk Day.

    The World Milk Day is celebrated every June 1, and was established by the United Nations Food and Agricultural Organisation (UNFAO).

    It is an opportunity to raise global awareness on the importance of milk as a healthy diet, responsible food production and supporting dairy farm communities.

    Addressing farmers at the event, which held in Iseyin, Oyo State, during the week, FrieslandCampina WAMCO Managing Director, Mr. Ben Langat, commended the dairy farmers under its Dairy Development Programme (DDP) across 90 communities on the progress made so far.

    He said under the DPP, dairy farmers recently recorded 27,045 litres of milk supply in one day, years after the first 400 litres daily collection to Fashola in 2011.

    Langat, however, urged the farmers to increase their raw milk yield to justify the company’s plan to set up a Milk Processing Centre within the environs.

    “We are not only committed to providing affordable dairy products, we are also charged with the responsibility of increasing local milk sourcing and ensuring consumers, children and our dairy farmers enjoy the goodness of milk every day” Langat said, adding that FrieslandCampina WAMCO  has five milk collection centres, 10 milk collection points with 10 under construction across various communities in Oyo State.

    Nutrition Society of Nigeria Vice President, Prof. Wasiu Afolabi, who was at the event to engage and educate the farmers on the importance of consuming milk regularly, explained that it helps to support healthy lifestyles for both children and adults.

     

  • IWD: FrieslandCampina WAMCO sets to create gender balance work space

    An organisation, FrieslandCampina WAMCO Nigeria, says it is striving to achieve gender balance in its workforce by improving the number of its female staffs from 14 in 2017 now to over 100.

    Its Corporate Affairs Director, Mrs Ore Famurewa, made this known on Friday in Lagos during the company’s celebration of International Women’s Day.

    The International Women’s Day is an annual celebration held on March 8 in most countries around the world.

    It is a day when women are recognised for their achievements and awareness raised on issues affecting women and how to resolve them.

    The campaign theme for 2019 celebration is: “Balance for Better”.

    Famurewa said the company had evolved policy that encourages recruitment of more women in its workforce to create a better work place and more financially independent women in the society.

    She urged women to create a work-life balance, resilient, disciplined and uphold integrity in their dealings toward building a better society.

    Earlier, the Managing Director, Mr Ben Langat, said that the company would continue to support the growth of women, not only in its workforce, but in the society at large.

    Langat urged women to be emboldened in rising to their various tasks, describing women as nurturers who were originally blessed with management skills.

    Also, Mrs Meg Iroha, the Deputy Director, Marketing, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), said that the role of women, especially their socio-economic contributions to societal development could not be overemphasised.

    Iroha, who was the guest speaker, urged the management of FrieslandCampina WAMCO to encourage mentoring of junior staffs and continue to take action for equality in the organisation.

    She advised women to compete favorably, strive for excellence, have a “Can do’’ mentality and be innovative in their quest to achieve a better and balanced life.

    Also, Dr Deji Osasona, a behavioural change specialist, advised women to take cognisance of their emotional wellbeing, while striving to achieve balance in life and contribute to the socioeconomic development. (NAN)

  • Winners emerge in 2018 Three Crowns’ Mom of The Year contest

    The 2018 Three Crowns Mum of The Year contest came to a rousing climax last Sunday in Lagos with three mothers carting away the Grand Prize of all-expenses-paid trip to Dubai, United Arab Emirates; and a whole year supply of Three Crowns Milk.

    The panel of judges, made up of Nollywood stars, Fathia Balogun, Bellinda Effah, and popular Fitness Coach, Bunmi George (Shreddergang) declared Mrs. Jennifer Otu, Mrs. Pauline Pambolo Daniel and Adaobi Okonkwo the winners having scored overall highest marks combined across the three stages of the competition – Fitness, Smartness, Fun Tests  and popular votes.

    It was the first time that the event, which is in its fourth year, would award the Grand Prize to three contenders and this was done to commemorate the 30th anniversary of Three Crowns milk in Nigeria.

    Also, the fourth and fifth place winners were each rewarded with N1,000,000 worth of kitchen makeover; the 6th and 7th place winners got N500,000 worth of kitchen makeover each, while each of the 8th, 9th and 10th winners received N300,000 worth of kitchen makeover to be redeemed at any store of their choice.

    Speaking at the event, Senior Brand Manager of Three Crowns Milk, Omolara Banjoko said Three Crowns Milk’s support for mothers was hinged on the fact that mothers play an important role in shaping the society at large.

    She added that their choice to eat right and keep fit is very important in reducing the risk of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs), including cardiovascular diseases for the family and society.

    In her words, “Three Crowns supports families by providing high quality nutrition for mothers and by extension, their families. One of the key things that we have identified is that the foundation of any family is the mother and with them being the foundation, they need to stay fit and healthy which is what Three Crowns truly believes in. We strongly believe that if the pillar of the house, being the mother, is taken care of, the whole family is strong”.

    Responding to the news of her emergence as the overall winner of the competition, Mrs. Otu expressed her appreciation to FrieslandCampina WAMCO, thanking the company for the remarkable opportunity to participate and win the ‘2018 Mum of the Year’.

    She noted that the event had transformed her in many ways as she now sees the need to keep fit and adopt health and wellness routine as a lifestyle.

    Mrs. Otu, who equally came tops in the online poll, was overwhelmed by emotions upon being named 2018 Three Crowns Mum of The Year.

    She thanked FrieslandCampina WAMCO for the opportunity and promised to efficiently execute all the activities expected of her as a Three Crowns Milk brand ambassador.

    “I cannot fully express the joy I feel to be crowned the 2018 Three Crowns Milk ‘Mum of the Year’. This journey started several months ago when my daughter told me about the competition. I bought a pack for myself and for some of my friends and asked them to vote for me. I was very committed to the process and spent time trying to persuade family and friends to vote. Thank God that all our efforts and hardwork have ended up in success. This is my first time of taking part in such competition and I thank God for the outcome. I have learnt a lot in the course of this journey, but the most important lesson I have learnt is how to stay healthy and fit.”

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    Also, Mrs. Pauline Bambolo who could barely contain her excitement said Three Crowns had made her dream of visiting Dubai come to pass. “ During the vote I went all out. As soon as I was called that I had been nominated I put in more efforts, I visited Three Crowns website and tagged people I know so that they could vote for me. I am excited and happy and I look forward to our trip to Dubai. I want to visit all the places I have read about.”

    In the same vein, Mrs. Okonkwo, the third place winner said she entered for the contest because she wanted a chance to celebrate her accomplishment as a mother. “When I saw the promo for the event, I told myself I needed to be celebrated. I have been a mum for 12 years and it’s not an easy feat. My family and colleagues also felt that I needed to be celebrated and they rallied round to ensure I won.”

     

  • FrieslandCampina WAMCO, society advocate dairy nutrition

    FrieslandCampina WAMCO, in partnership with the Nutrition Society of Nigeria (NSN) has begun an awareness campaign for dairy nutrition in celebration of this year’s World Milk Day on June 1. The theme of this year’s celebration is: “Raise a glass.”

    A statement by the company’s Managing Director, Mr. Ben Langat, said: “The acknowledgement of the importance of milk in the global food system by the World Health Organisation (WHO) and Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) connects with FrieslandCampina WAMCO’s conviction that dairy plays an important role in supplying essential nutrients for daily wellbeing for all stages of life.”

    He emphasised that the company’s mission statement of ‘nourishing Nigerians with quality dairy nutrition’ finds expression in how FrieslandCampina WAMCO is helping to combat non-communicable diseases that are linked to inadequate nutrition and strengthen food security by making milk, one of nature’s most comprehensive nutritional sources, more accessible to Nigerians.

    “We know that solutions to the challenges that surround nutrition, like micronutrient deficiencies, lie in building strong collaborations with key stakeholders and partners. Therefore, to celebrate the World Milk Day this year, we are partnering with the NSN and frontliners in healthcare in Nigeria to drive advocacy to raise the nutritional status of Nigerians through education on the combined benefits of nutrition and daily exercise,” Langat said.

    He assured that the company will continue to enhance the local milk value chain and promote its ‘Grass to Glass’ philosophy through its Dairy Development Programme (DDP).

    “So far, the DDP has supported over 3,500 local dairy farmers (including women) to expand their investment opportunities as the milk collected from the dairy farmers is used in the local manufacturing of Peak evaporated milk,” Langat added.

     

  • ‘Dairy firms to increase local milk sourcing’

    ‘Dairy firms to increase local milk sourcing’

    FOLLOWING projected improvements in cattle breeding, knowledge transfer and production techniques, local sourcing of milk should reach appreciable levels by 2030, the Managing Director, FrieslandCampina WAMCO Nigeria Plc, Mr Ben Langat has projected.

    He said he foresees the availability of various dairy products, improved yield of milk in litres per cow daily. He said the daily output of milk per cow in Nigeria is about one litre, compared to other African countries, such as Kenya and Uganda with between 30 and 40 litres of milk per cow daily.

    Langat attributed Nigeria’s dairy sector’s low output of mild daily to the fact that the sector remained largely characterised by cattle ownership belonging to Fulani pastoralists who are nomadic.

    According to him, the pastoralists go for days on long distances to graze their cattle and look for pasture and water for them and this affects the quality and quantity of their milk.

    He spoke on the sideline of the first Dairy Farmers’ Day held in Iseyin, Oyo State. The event was hosted by FrieslandCampina WAMCO to celebrate and encourage dairy farmers to share experiences on best practices, discuss challenges facing the dairy sector and proffer solutions.

    The FrieslandCampina WAMCO chief said based on efforts by private firms and individuals (in some cases in collaboration with state and Federal Government) to forge ahead and ensure improvement in the dairy sector, despite the prevailing challenges, the sector’s future looked promising.

    He listed some of the interventions that have raised hopes of achieving 100 percent local sourcing of milk to include strengthening milk marketing, collection and payment by private firms; improved extension and productivity services, animal health and crossbreeding schemes.

    Others are the aggregation of dairy farmers for easier access to credit facilities and markets as well as facilitation of input and infrastructure in dairy zones, among others.

    “FrieslandCampina WAMCO is at the fore front of these economic solutions and will continue to play a key role in the ongoing efforts to improve and maximise the potentials of dairy farming in Nigeria,” Langat said.

    He noted that since its inception in 2011, the FrieslandCampina WAMCO’s Dairy Development Programme have spanned five local governments of Iseyin, Ibarapa, Saki West, Atiba and Itesiwaju in Oyo.

     

  • Peak trains teachers on nutrition

    With nutrition playing a very important role in learning and wellbeing of learners, some teachers have been taught to help young children inculcate good nutritional habits.

    The teachers, gathered by FrieslandCampina WAMCO, manufacturers of Peak 456 Growing Up milk for children last Friday in Ikeja, learnt from nutritionists, paediatricians, researchers and others the essence of nutrition and how to implement an eight-module course on nutrition to pre-schoolers.

    The programme also served as the launch of the company’s Drink Move and Be Strong (DMBS) campaign of the Peak 456 healthy eating and lifestyle initiative for four to six year-olds.

    The Lagos State Deputy Governor, Dr. Oluranti Adebule praised the initiative, which she said would have a far-reaching effect on both the physical and mental development of the Nigerian child.

    Dr Adebule, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Education, Mrs. Adebunmi Adekanye said: “The future of every nation lies with her children. No nation can achieve greatness either economically or politically without the children, hence the need to ensure that children especially at their early stage in life are well nourished, healthy and educated.”

    Corporate Affairs Director, FrieslandCampina WAMCO, Ore Famurewa, said at the event that the firm decided to partner with the Nutritional Society of Nigeria (NSN) to help young children develop healthy  eating and lifestyle habits early in life.

    “Our goal is to drive healthy eating and active lifestyle habits by educating Children from young age. We realise it is important for children to learn the benefits of good nutrition and to develop healthy eating habits. Schools are ideal for bringing nutrition education to children at an early age through qualified staff. It is key to note that the sooner children start making healthy choices, the easier it becomes to keep up good eating habits later in life,” Famurewa said.

    National President NSN, Dr. Bartholomew Brai, said the society was happy to partner Friesland Campina WAMCO on the initiative as it aligned with its goals.

    “Nutrition education is where we are also ready to go at this time.  As a professional body, we have the expertise but we don’t have the funds.  We want to be involved in this project from inception to completion.  We are interested in this kind of quality and transparent engagement with organizations,” he said.

    In recognition of the roles teachers play in the development of children, the Marketing Manager IFT, Zatur Hassim, said FrieslandCampina WAMCO would not only train the teachers but equip them with resources to train the pupils.

    “Teachers need to be empowered with knowledge and tools to pass on good healthy eating and active lifestyle habits to their pupils. FrieslandCampina WAMCO implemented a teachers’ workshop to equip pre-school and nursery teachers with the right knowledge on child nutrition,” she said.

    The company gave out Peak 456 toolkits to aid teachers in their classrooms.  They were also taught the ‘Peak 456 Exercise Moves’ – a simple exercise routine to the Peak 456 song.

  • Local milk sourcing: Fed Govt lauds FrieslandCampina WAMCO

    Local milk sourcing: Fed Govt lauds FrieslandCampina WAMCO

    The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Chief Audu Ogbeh, has praised  FrieslandCampina WAMCO Nigeria, makers of Peak and Three Crowns milk, for pioneering local milk sourcing and development, and improving the lives of dairy farmers.

    The minister made the commendation while inspecting the local milk collection facilities of the company in Fashola Village and Iseyin Town, Oyo State, during the week.

    The company’s state-of-the-art milk collection centres and offices operate under its Dairy Development Programme (DDP).

    After inspecting the milk facilities and speaking with members of the host communities, Ogbeh said: “It will be wonderful if each Nigerian child can get two pints of fresh Nigerian milk daily and we express the gratitude of government to FrieslandCampina WAMCO for ongoing efforts in this regard.

    He expressed the government’s appreciation of the company’s commitment and investment, saying this was because not many investors are willing to go this far. “We are delighted,” Ogbeh said.

    Noting that the company’s  investments have guaranteed steady incomes for Fulani farmers as well as an improved lifestyle, Ogbeh said: “It is remarkable and FrieslandCampina WAMCO’s intervention should be commended for being instrumental to this.”

    Responding, the Managing Director, Ben Langat, thanked the minister. He said apart from FrieslandCampina WAMCO, no other dairy company in Nigeria has started collecting milk locally for production since 2011.

    Langat said although there is serious infrastructure deficit such as roads, power and water, the company was still grateful to the  minister, the ministry and the Oyo State government for partnering with it.

    “So far, we have provided 15 boreholes in the communities here in Oyo State. We are in this for the long run. We are investing funds and expertise in artificial insemination, cattle feeding and pasture for high yield in order to raise locally sourced milk to the desired levels for production” Langat said.

    Chief Ogbeh assured FrieslandCampina WAMCO of government’s continued partnership. He affirmed that improved local production of milk was the only panacea to lack of adequate milk supply.

    “Indeed, we need to improve the breed of our cattle and the ministry will partner with FrieslandCampina WAMCO to develop the programme. The import bill on milk is very high, while milk consumption among young people is too low. We can’t continue like that because of the effect on their brain and capacity,” the Minister said.

    He promised that government will soon address the challenge of roads, water, and other necessary infrastructure. “We are happy to see the families, women and the community leaders and we will help with more boreholes as the ministry has rigs and we will deploy them here,” he assured.

    FrieslandCampina WAMCO has been investing in the DDP since 2011 and has established the country’s largest milk collection network. Today, the company collects milk from about 1700 farmers in over 70 communities in Oyo State. It has five milk collection centres and one Bulking Centre for its DPP in Oyo State.

  • FrieslandCampina WAMCO posts N123.75b turnover

    Despite the decline in economic activities and increased pressure on the naira, dairy giant FrieslandCampina WAMCO Nigeria Plc has announced a turnover of N123.75 billion for 2016. This represented 2.5 per cent increase from the N120.72 billion turnover in 2015.

    The company’s Profit Before Tax (PBT), however, increased by 7.2 per cent from N18.62 billion to N19.96 billion as a result of the twin impact of the modest growth in turnover and significant reduction in administrative costs.

    The shareholders approved the Board’s proposal of a total dividend pay-out of 75 per for the year under review, which is equivalent to N10.65 per N0.50 share. An interim dividend of N2.95 per N0.50 share was paid in November 2016, and a final dividend of N7.70 per N0.50 share was approved.

    Speaking at its 44th Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Lagos, the Chairman, FrieslandCampina WAMCO Nigeria, Mr. Jacobs Moyo Ajekigbe, attributed the company’s satisfactory operating result and performance to new investments in human capital development and facility improvements.

    He said though 2016 was a challenging year due to the prevailing economic climate, which impacted on the cost of production, raw and packaging materials sourcing, the company recorded remarkable achievements in operational efficiencies, cost management and improved productivity across the supply chain systems.

    Ajekigbe said: “The company made tremendous progress in its journey of continuous improvement in quality, ensuring that the high quality of its products is maintained throughout the value chain from grass to glass. This laudable pursuit was given credence in the course of the year with the achievement of Food Safety Systems Certification (FSSC) 22001.”

    FrieslandCampina WAMCO held its position in the market during the year by raising the bar in distribution with extensive distribution network and coverage of sales outlets.