NIGERIA – Emperor Beverages Limited (EBL), a Nigeria-based beverage company, has expanded its portfolio with the launch of a new liquor brand, Isiagu Café Liqueur.

Uche-Onyenacho, EBL’s senior brand manager, highlighted the extensive research conducted among their target market in the South-East as the foundation for the new product. 

She explained that Isiagu Café Liqueur is crafted to align with the preferences and expectations of the local consumers.  

“This drink resonates with the dignity, unity, and love shared by Igbos; hence the tagline of ‘nmanya nwafor,’ which aptly describes all those attributes,” she stated. 

Marketing Manager Gbemileke Lawal emphasized the unique flavor and experience that Isiagu Café Liqueur offers, noting that the liqueur is ideal for indulgence and can be enjoyed straight or as part of a cocktail, whether at bars and lounges or at home with friends and family. 

According to Lawal, the brand will be available in 20cl and 75cl SKUs at modern trade outlets, supermarkets, open markets, bars, and lounges. 

The launch of Isiagu Café Liqueur comes at a time when Nigeria’s alcoholic beverage consumption is projected to reach 16,000 metric tons by 2026. 

Beer remains the most consumed alcoholic beverage with a 55 percent market share, followed by spirits at 30 percent and wine at 15 percent. 

Meanwhile, the Nigerian House of Representatives and the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) have temporarily lifted the ban on the sale and consumption of sachet alcoholic beverages.  

Philip Agbese, the House deputy spokesman, announced that the decision aims to alleviate economic pressures and will remain in effect until the economy improves. The initial ban was imposed due to concerns over drug abuse, particularly among young Nigerians. 

Liked this article? Subscribe to Food Business Africa News, our regular email newsletters with the latest news insights from Africa and the World’s food and agro industryHERE