SONA GROUP SHINES AT 2016 FOOD AND BEVERAGES EXHIBITION IN LAGOS
By Janice Johnson
The Sona Group of Nigeria stand was a bee-hive of activities as it attracted a lot of visitors from within and outside Nigeria, at the largest Food and Beverages Exhibition and Conference in Africa, which took place last week from May 18th to May 20th at the Eko Hotel Convention Center, Victoria Island, Lagos. The exhibition created a platform for both international and regional food industry professionals to come together, not only to showcase their products, but to also network and establish business ties in Nigeria.
Participants who visited the Sona Group of Nigeria stand J10, were given the opportunity to have a taste of the company’s basket of products which ranges from Alcoholic drinks, carbonated drinks and Biscuits. Some of the products on display came in from Euro Global Foods and Distilleries Limited as well as its sister company Sona Agro Allied Limited. Euro Global proudly displayed: Sabrina Gin, Brave Heart Rum, Julius Tonic Wine, Amphora Wine, Blue Lagoon, Czar Ice and Czar Vodka Julius Lite, Power Lite, Power Bitters, St. Almanac Brandy, Savana drinks; Orange, Lemon, Mango, Pineapple and Soda. Sona Agro Allied on its part had on its stands: Sona Malty Biscuits, Sona Ginger Biscuits, Sona Nutri Digestives, among others as well as other products produced by the Group.
All the participants who spoke to BRANDPOWER at the Sona Group Stand, marveled at the quality of products produced by the company. They all confirmed that both the biscuits and the drinks have got rich and quality taste and that they will wish to continue to buy the products provided they can easily be found in the market.
Mr Segun Kazeem, a visitor to the stand, explained that the event to him, is an eye-opener as many of the products were not known by him before now, but he now knows about the products and how to get them. In his words, “It’s an eye-opener; that is just what I will say. In fact, out there we don’t know what is going on unless you come in here and when you come in here, you will have many opportunities.”
About his experience at the Sona Group stand, he said “I am just tasting the digestive biscuit now and in fact it is very nice. I have loved digestive right from time and this one seems to be a new product, but it is very unique and different from the other ones. It tastes really good.”
Another Visitor, Henrietta Eva said, “I have only tasted the Ginger Biscuits and I like the flavor, I like the taste, it is a bit pepperish and I love it.
Mr. Etibong who tasted Julius lite said, “I love the taste of the wine and also the biscuits and I will like to have more of it if they are available in the market.
Mrs. Adegbola who also tasted Savana orange and Pineapple drinks alongside her daughter, said “Wow, this is really good. I have never seen this outside of here and I never knew it existed until now, but seriously I love the taste and I really would love to have more and more of it. My children will love it too.”
A member of the Euro Global sales team, Mr Vinoj Kumar, said the environment is very competitive but Sona Group has a greater advantage considering the fact that their products are of international standard and are readily available everywhere in Nigeria.
He said, “A lot of companies are looking at the Nigerian market, what is going on, as many of the companies are from abroad and they want to enter the Nigerian market. This exhibition covers many areas ranging from food, drinks, health products, equipment etc. We are also here to try our best and let our consumers know what we can offer because we produce high quality products which meets international standards and everyone who has visited our stand and tasted our products will attest to the fact that our products are unique and with a difference.“
“The environment is very competitive but I believe we have more advantage over those who are yet to enter the Nigerian market because we have our company here in Nigeria and our products are sold in almost every super market including Shoprite.”
When asked about what he thinks of the number of consumers who have visited the stand so far, he said, “The turnout so far at our stand has been very impressive. “So far we have no regrets at all for participating in this exhibition because we have been able to reach out to many people and we are also exchanging contacts so I believe this things are required to grow the business”, he said.
Mr Vinoj urged Nigerians to endeavor to participate in such exhibitions as it helps people to have lots of ideas about what is going on both in Nigeria and outside the country. He however promised that Sona Group will continue to give their consumers the best and highest quality of products.
