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Tag: La Casera

  • International Fruit Day: Celebrating La Casera brand

    At a party in April 2007, former students of social work from the University of Applied Science in Berlin came together talking about their fields of interest. They decided to bring people together with a basic social concept: sharing a meal. Sharing and eating fruits and vegetables together soon transformed into International Fruit Day, which is celebrated July 1 yearly.

    The apple is considered to be the one of the healthiest and the most versatile fruits.This marvellous fruit is extremely rich in important antioxidants, flavonoids, and dietary fibre. As one of the most consumed fruits in the world, apples are continuously being praised as a “miracle food”.

    In fact, apples were ranked first in Medical News Today about the top 10 healthy foods, helping to reduce the risk of developing cancer, hypertension, diabetes and heart disease.

    Apple juice is also one of the favourite drinks for many people. With the socio-economic climate in Nigeria, methods must be adopted for consumers to continue enjoying the great taste and benefit of apple through the provision of real apple juice in various products like Carbonated Soft Drinks (CSDs). This challenge was taken on by The La Casera Company, makers of La Casera Apple drink.

    The La Casera brand was the first to introduce PET bottles in Nigeria, thus making it accessible and accepted by all. Consumers, therefore, experienced a new found love in the brand La Casera, because of its convenience of consumption as an ‘on-the-go’ Soft Drink, thereby changing the landscape of the entire soft drink industry in Nigeria. These unique qualities of the La Casera brand challenged two other Soft Drink giants to follow suit in 2004;  four years after the birth of La Casera.

    The competition was on and consumers soon began to flock in the direction of La Casera which contained real apple juice, as against the other flavour filled brands which dominated prior to its entry. The brand recently introduced its ‘Full Option’ range of SKUs giving consumers the options of 60cl, 50cl and 35cl.  While hundreds of products are launched yearly, only a few often survive competition due to taste appeal, quality and brand loyalty. Market and health analysts have questioned the quality standards of many of the products in the Nigerian market.

    Hence, Nigerians refer to the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), and Standards Organisation  of Nigeria (SON) as the lead safety authorities in the country, whose certification can be taken as a final arbiter for any product’s safety concerns.

    According to a report made public after a routine laboratory analysis of La Casera Apple drink, NAFDAC declared that “La Casera Apple drink ingredients conformed to laid down specifications and regulations, with the absence of pesticides and chemical hazards’’

    SON and the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) have also commended the company on its adherence to safety and health guidelines for beverage production.

    La Casera Apple drink, which has an undeniably attractive golden colour and refreshing taste, has no doubt earned its seal of quality in the Nigerian CSD landscape since its inception, and beyond all contradiction, is said to be safe and healthy for consumption.

    La Casera is synonymous with “Great Apple Taste” for many consumers and that is because the Apple drink is said to be carefully made with  five percent real fruit juice which cannot be found in any other carbonated apple drink.

  • La Casera re-launched

    La Casera re-launched

    The La Casera Company has launched a new look for its flagship brand, La Casera Apple Drink.

    At the launch of the “Fresh New Look”, Managing Director, Mr. Roland Ebelt, said the repackaged drink is a display of the company’s forward-thinking prowess and commitment to consumers’ satisfaction.

    He noted that La Casera has remained the leader in the apple carbonated soft drink segment in the last 16 years, saying the company is committed to ensuring the brand maintains this position, while offering consumers a superior and original apple drink with more juice.

    “La Casera Apple drink now wears a fresh, new, colourful and attractive look, with real apple fruit, indicating an increase in real apple juice content, thereby giving consumers more taste of the real apple bite.

    “The repackaged La Casera apple drink still comes in a 50cl bottle, but with more apple juice, that will satisfy consumers’ taste and desire for a premium apple drink that is affordable and available on the go.

    “We have taken our time, through research and a rigorous product development process, to come up with a rejuvenated apple drink that is next to none,” he said.

    The Marketing Manager, Mr. Bello Yusuf, noted that the carbonated drink market commands a unique hold in the beverage sector, with an estimated 49 per cent of soft drinks sales, and with the fresh new look of La Casera, the company is set to make greater inroads into the market.

    “Today, we have come to witness the rebirth of our flagship brand, La Casera Apple Drink. With the unveiling of the fresh new look, we are thanking our consumers who have supported the brand for over 16 years. We thank these loyal consumers because without them, we would not have achieved anything.

    “The brand will continue to do its best to offer Nigerians the best apple drink in Sub-Sahara Africa,” Bello said.  General Manager of the National Agency for Food, Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC), who was represented by Kenneth Azikiwe, said La Casera has gone through rigorous processes and was found to be of high quality and good for consumers.”

    “On behalf of my DG, I thank the management of La Casera for coming up with an improved product, which shows commitment to consumers.I urge Nigerians to drink it comfortably because itis NAFDAC approved,” he explained.

    Mrs. Emordi Helen, who represented the Director General of SON, said the product is safe and of quality standard. “SON has ensured that the product conforms to the highest standard required,” she stated.

  • La Casera wears fresh new look

    The La Casera Company Plc, makers of Nigeria’s leading Apple Carbonated Soft Drink has launched a fresh new look for its flagship brand, La Casera Apple Drink, adding more natural apple juice extract to the premium apple drink, which makes it the only Apple CSD with real apple juice extract in Nigeria.

    The event, which took place at the prestigious Oriental Hotel in Lagos received several commendations from NAFDAC, SON, MAN, dealers and other relevant stakeholders that were present at the event.

    Speaking during the epic event, Mr. Roland Ebelt, Managing Director, The La Casera Company Plc. (TLCC), said the launch of the repackaged La Casera Apple Drink is a display of the company’s forward-thinking prowess and commitment to consumers’ satisfaction.

    “La Casera Apple drink now wears a fresh new colourful and attractive look with real apple fruit indicating an increase in real apple juice content in each bottle, thereby giving consumers more taste of real apple bite. The repackaged La Casera Apple drink still comes in a 50cl bottle but with more apple juice that will satisfy consumers’ taste and desire for a premium apple CSD brand that is affordable and available on the go. We have taken our time through research and a rigorous product development process to come up with a rejuvenated La Casera Apple Drink that is next to none,” he explained.

    While delivering the welcome address, The Marketing Manager, The La Casera Company Plc. (TLCC), Mr. Bello Yusuf explained that the Nigerian CSD market commands a unique hold in the beverage sector of the economy with an estimated 49% of soft drinks volume sales and with the fresh new look of La Casera Apple drink.

  • La Casera apple drinks get fresh look

    La Casera apple drinks get fresh look

    …NAFDAC, SON, MAN endorse brand

    The La Casera Company Plc, makers of Apple Carbonated Soft Drink CSD) has launched a fresh new look for its flagship brand, La Casera Apple Drink, adding more natural apple juice extract to the premium apple drink, which makes it the only Apple CSD with real apple juice extract in Nigeria.

    The event, which took place at the prestigious Oriental Hotel in Lagos received several commendations from NAFDAC, SON, MAN, dealers and other relevant stakeholders that were present at the event.

    Speaking during the epic event, Mr. Roland Ebelt, Managing Director, The La Casera Company Plc. (TLCC), said the launch of the repackaged La Casera Apple Drink is a display of the company’s forward-thinking prowess and commitment to consumers’ satisfaction. He stressed that La Casera Apple Drink has remained the leader in the apple CSD segment for the past 16 years of existence and the company is committed to ensuring the brand maintains its leadership position while offering consumers a superior and original apple drink with more juice offering.

    “La Casera Apple drink now wears a fresh new colourful and attractive look with real apple fruit indicating an increase in real apple juice content in each bottle, thereby giving consumers more taste of real apple bite. The repackaged La Casera Apple drink still comes in a 50cl bottle but with more apple juice that will satisfy consumers’ taste and desire for a premium apple CSD brand that is affordable and available on the go. We have taken our time through research and a rigorous product development process to come up with a rejuvenated La Casera Apple Drink that is next to none” he explained.

    While delivering the welcome address, The Marketing Manager, The La Casera Company Plc. (TLCC), Mr. Bello Yusuf explained that the Nigerian CSD market commands a unique hold in the beverage sector of the economy with an estimated 49% of soft drinks volume sales and with the fresh new look of La Casera Apple drink, the company is set to make greater inroad into the market, as it now comes with more apple juice, combined with a refreshing and real apple taste.

    “Sixteen years down the line, the dynamics of the CSD market are not the same. Today, we have come to witness the rebirth of our flagship brand La Casera Apple Drink. So with the unveiling of the fresh new look of our flagship brand La Casera Apple drink, we are appreciating our teeming Consumers who have been supporting the brand for over 16 years. We thank these loyal consumers because without them we would not have achieved anything. The brand will continue doing its best to offer Nigerians the best apple drink in Sub-Saharan African,” Bello said.

    While commending the management of TLCC for a job well done after tasting the new La Casera, Kenneth Azikiwe, representative of the Director General of NAFDAC, said the product has gone through the rigorous processes and has been found to be of high quality and good for consumers.

    “On behalf of my DG, I thank the management of La Casera for coming up with an improved product with more apple juice, which shows commitment to consumers; NAFDAC number is attached to the label and I want every Nigerian to drink  this product comfortably because NAFDAC has a stamp on it, it is NAFDAC approved”, he explained.

    Mrs. Emordi Helen, the representative of the Director-General, SON, also said the product is safe and of quality standard. “SON has ensured that the product conforms to the highest standard required”, she stated.

    In the same vein, a Director at MAN, Joseph Emoleke, commended the company for the innovative product. He called for more innovative products to make the industry thrive.

    “La Casera is one of those companies that are so dear to us and we know you will continue to excel. On behalf of the President, DG, and the National Council of MAN, we felicitate with you. We know you will continue to improve your quality. We are solidly behind you”, Emoleke said.

    In her vote of thanks, The Senior Brand Manager, La Casera Apple Drink, Mrs. Ruth Ode expressed appreciation to the management of The Company, the National and State regulatory agencies, dealers and the Press for their support for gracing the event.

    “This would not have been possible without the dedication of the people involved in every aspect of creating, producing, selling, and consuming of La Casera Apple drink and even the media for being there for us.” She said.

    The La Casera Company Plc. gained entrance into the Nigerian CSD market in 2001 with the introduction of a flagship brand, La Casera Apple drink in PET bottle and has since been setting the pace for excellence and quality.

  • La Casera thrills Abeokuta consumers

    La Casera thrills Abeokuta consumers

    The La Casera thrill campaign, which kicked off at the popular Lafenwa market in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital, gave consumers a mind-blowing experience.

    Nigeria’s singing sensation, Small Doctor, and other local performers were on hand to thrill the audience, with consumers competing in dance, mime and comedy and participants leaving with prizes and free drinks.

    General Manager Mr. Dave Van Rensburg said the Thrill Trail is an opportunity to interact with consumers.

    “The La Casera thrill trail would be in Ogun State for three days, offering consumers a firsthand experience of fun, dance and to reward them with exciting prizes for their loyalty over the years.”

    He reiterated that La Casera is committed to reaching its consumers and so the thrill trail would visit cities like Lagos, Ondo, Ekiti, Osun, Ilorin and others in the coming days.

  • NAFDAC, SON, others hail La Casera for keeping standards

    NAFDAC, SON, others hail La Casera for keeping standards

    NAFDAC, SON, others hail La Casera for keeping standards

    The National Agency for Food, Drug, Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has commended the La Casera Company Plc for maintaining a high quality standard in the production of Carbonated Soft Drinks (CSD) in Nigeria.

    Similarly, the Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON) and the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) praised the beverage company for its full compliance with regulations regarding food and beverage manufacturing processes in the country.

    In his keynote speech, the Managing Director of the La Casera Company, Mr. Roland Ebelt, expressed the company’s delight at the factory inspection and noted that the visit would afford the company the opportunity to showcase its upgraded world class production lines.

    Ebelt said he was pleased that NAFDAC, MAN and SON executives visited the plant to witness the high premium it places on producing innovative products, maintaining high quality products and its high security measures put in place to protect members of staff.

    Also speaking, the Director-General of the NAFDAC,  Mrs. Yetunde Oni expressed great delight at the level of compliance and strict adherence to modern food and beverage production guidelines.

    Mrs Oni, who was represented by the Special Assistant, Mr William Effiok, after the tour of La Casera production facility at Mile 2 in Lagos, also laid great emphasis on the firm’s ultra-modern production line which though covering a large expanse, and having several units such as the bottle blowing section, filling, capping and packaging units, operated under very hygienic conditions, and worked under minimal human interference, with a state-of-the-art automation process which can be compared to those operated in other developed nations around the world.

    “What we have witnessed today reaffirms La Casera’s commitment to producing a premium Carbonated Soft Drink (CSD) with a product quality which satisfies all quality and safety requirement required for any beverage. Food handling and contact which happens to be a major entry point for contaminants in food processing and production, has also been grossly eliminated in La Casera’ production process, thereby making it safe, nutritious, and fit for human consumption.”

    The DG therefore urged teeming consumers to disregard misleading information in any form especially those emanating from Social media, as the product has the NAFDAC seal for quality, which implies it has been subject to thorough product check and analysis, and has been duly certified.

    Also responding after the facility tour, the Director, Product Certification, Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), Mr Bayo Adigun said: “We appreciate the management team of The La Casera Company for hosting us on this visit and would like to state that this kind of partnership between regulators and manufacturers are aimed at supporting companies in making sure that they maintain their standard. We are partners and we would seek ways to protect the brand of respected companies like The La Casera Company,” he stated.

    The Acting DG, Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), Mr. Segun Ajayi-Kadir, who was also present at the tour, appreciated the management of the La Casera Company for its doggedness even during times such as this when several companies are closing shop due to several economic reasons and in the face of limiting factors to business growth.

    He also extolled the company on its visibly huge financial investment in the food and beverage sector, and therefore encouraged them not to relent in its effort.

  • Stock Exchange woos La Casera, Dana Group, others for listing

    The management of the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) has started discussions with the management of many unlisted public limited liability companies to list their shares on the secondary market as part of efforts to deepen the market and allow wider participation by retail investors and institutions.

    The management of the NSE is wooing companies, such as Dana Group, Tower Aluminium Group, La Casera and the Nigeria Mortgage Refinance Company (NMRC) Plc, among others, to list their shares on the Exchange.

    All the companies have existing relationship with the Exchange where they have listed their debt instruments.

    Chief Executive Officer, Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), Mr. Oscar Onyema, who confirmed this, said the Exchange will continue to work with the companies which already have their debts instruments on its board to increase their participation with a view to getting their equities listed on any of its boards.

    “The NSE will continue its engagement with the companies and provide adequate thought leadership to drive its listing objectives,” Onyema said.

    The Dana Group is one of the largest unlisted conglomerates in Nigeria with at least 10 businesses in various sectors of the economy. Dana Group comprises of pioneering businesses with a manufacturing base. Ashmina Limited, a member of the Dana Group, manufactures intravenous fluids at a newly setup plant in Ibadanthe Oyo State capital, the very first unit in West Africa.

    Besides sterile pharmaceuticals, the plant also produces bottled table water Aquadana. Dana Air Limited provides air transportation. Dana Steel Mill had acquired a modern steel rolling mill in Katsina, Katsina State, strategically located in the Northwest. The mill produces reinforced and general-purpose steel from billets for construction and it has installed capacity of 207,000 mts per year.

    Dana Cars and Services Limited  was incorporated in 2013 and commenced operations in 2014 as the sole distributor in Nigeria for the Renault brand of vehicles, manufactured by Renault Corporation, France, one of the world’s fastest growing automobile companies. Another member of the group, Dana Plast Limited was incorporated in 1996 but it began commercial production in 2000. Dana Plast’s range of plastic finished products was reputed to be the very first in Nigeria’s history to be awarded with Nigeria Industrial Standards (NIS) certification by the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON).

  • UNIJOS student wins La Casera ‘Apple Story’

    UNIJOS student wins La Casera ‘Apple Story’

    A 400-Level Biochemistry student of the University of Jos (UNIJOS), Shangevlumun Michael Dagu, still cannot believe that he is the star of La Casera Company’s Share Your Apple Story campaign.

    The 26-year-old’s entry will form the copy for the next advertising campaign of La Casera, a popular soft drink.

    Dagu was hosted by the management of the La Casera Company Plc in Lagos.

    He got an undisclosed cash prize, gifts and VIP tour of the La Casera factory as his reward.

    For the student, the experience was special since he never anticipated winning by telling his personal experience around the La Casera drink.

    “I still find it hard to believe that my Apple Story will be shown to the whole world as the new La Casera advert. I have received first-class VIP treatment from La Casera and an opportunity that would motivate me to aim for the stars in whatever I do, which I deeply appreciate. I must say, with no iota of doubt on my mind, that I truly love the drink,” he said.

    Chief Operating Officer, La Casera Plc, Mr. Dileeban Ponniah, said the firm had successfully run the Apple Story campaign for the second year.

    “At the La Casera Company, we hold our customers in high esteem and will stop at nothing to foster the relationship we have established with them. The idea behind the ‘Share Your Apple Story, Be A Star’ Campaign is simply to engage customers as well as reward their loyalty,” Dileeban said.

    The firm’s Marketing Manager, Mr. Bayo Obarotimi, said Dagu’s entry scaled through a rigorous process.

    “We are happy a ‘star’ has emerged after a meticulous process of assessing the stories, which has once again produced another Apple story winner,” he said.

    He disclosed that before long, the company would release the Apple Story as the brand’s new TV commercial as well as an interesting radio jingle.