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Nigeria is an exciting consumer environment – Diageo CEO

By on September 15, 2014

Global business leader and Chief Executive Officer of Diageo Plc, Ivan Menezes, has described the Nigerian market as an exceptional and exciting consumer environment, which represents a huge opportunity for the world’s leading premium drinks business and other consumer goods companies.

A statement quoted him to have stated this at a dinner in his honour in Lagos. The event had in attendance, leading lights of corporate Nigeria including the CEO, Nigerian Stock Exchange, Oscar Onyema; CEO, Nigerian Bottling Company, Ben Langat; CEO, Standard Chartered Bank, Bola Adesola; GMD/CEO,  Zenith Bank, Peter Amangbo; CEO, UBA, Philip Odozua, among others.

Ivan noted that Diageo is extremely confident of the opportunities in the Nigerian market hence its investment of about $500 million in Guinness Nigeria Plc, an integral part of its business, in the last six years. Diageo is the world’s leading premium drinks business with an outstanding collection of beverage alcohol brands across spirits, beer and wine categories.

“We are extremely confident in the opportunity here, and it is a market you cannot ignore. There are a few challenges in the market right now but we are optimistic about the opportunity and the future we will create here.

“The fundamentals of the Nigerian economy are very robust, same for the energy of the people. We have been out on the streets of Lagos, visiting top-end bars and trade partners to have a feel of the consumer, and can boldly say that we love the energy, optimism and vibrancy of Nigerians.

“We are not surprised that some of the hottest trends in music and fashion are coming out of Nigeria. This market represents an exceptional and extremely exciting consumer environment,” he said.

The Diageo chief said he was proud of Guinness Nigeria because of its reputation for doing good business.

“I am most proud of Guinness Nigeria because we do business the right way, recruiting the right talent and ensuring we have a great team.
“We are a Nigerian company and are grateful to those who have supported us over the years. Guinness Nigeria has been here for decades and we are here for the long haul,” he said.

On his part, the Managing Director and Chief Executive, Guinness Nigeria Plc, Seni Adetu expressed delight to have Ivan in the country.

 

[This Day]