Shoprite Nigeria has commenced a made-in-Nigeria campaign by dedicating some departments of its 24 outlets nationwide to locally produced products.
The firm said at the Ikeja Mall outlet, for instance, locally made products occupied the right wing immediately after the entrance with the words ‘Proudly Supporting Nigerian Products’ boldly written on the shelves.
The display featured dozens of local food products such as the popular Ijebu garri, locally made corn meal (akamu), banga fresh palm fruit extracts and oil, custard powder as well as home care products and household utensils made by popular brands in the country.
Some of the manufacturers who spoke to our correspondent said that sales had spiked for the products soon after the display in Shoprite stores.
The Managing Partner, Integrated Factory Foods, Mr. Akhibi Onoke, told our correspondent that the firm’s brand of Naija Sweet Rice had enjoyed a lot of patronage while on display in 24 Shoprite outlets nationwide.
He said he started partnering the retailer four months ago adding, “The fact that people see the goods in Shoprite outlets gives them some level of credibility. We are gaining a lot of mileage from that and it is strategic to sales. I can tell you that the relationship is working for us. The sales continue to grow; and the more people get used to the products, the more they patronise us.”
Another entrepreneur and Managing Director of Pally Agro Products, Mrs. Anwuli Onyeagu, who makes banga fresh palm fruit extracts, said she was part of the Shoprite made-in-Nigeria campaign and had been displaying her products on their shelves for the past three months.
She said that patronage of her products increased by over 40 per cent during the period.
The Managing Director of Amel Susan, manufacturers of Vanilla Custard, Joe Nsek, said the firm had been partnered Shoprite for the past five years and had enjoyed a great deal of patronage in all its 24 outlets.
As part of the initiative, Shoprite said it organised a monthly meeting for local manufacturers wishing to supply to its stores to teach them about standards and procedures.
