NIGERIA – Swiss food company Nestlé has opened a new water bottling facility in Abaji, Nigeria to tap into the rising demand for bottled water in the country.
The company has revealed that the 5.6 billion Naira (US$26 million) Abaji factory, near the Abuja Federal Capital Territory will support future demand and growth in the northern and western regions of the country. It will produce Nestlé Pure Life brand products.
The new complex is Nestlé Waters’ second and most modern water processing facility in Central and West Africa, complementing the existing Agbara factory in the Ogun State, according to a statement by the company.
Dharnesh Gordhon underlined Nestlé’s firm commitment to the development of Nigeria: “Our company has been present in Nigeria for 55 years. We are committed to continue to bring significant value to society through local sourcing, the creation of jobs and by offering high-quality, nutritious foods and beverages to the Nigerian population.”
It will create 111 new jobs and host a Technical Training Centre to develop young engineers’ skills in the region
The Head of Nestlé Waters Marco Settembri alongside Dharnesh Gordhon, Managing Director of Nestlé Nigeria Plc, officially opened the new facility. Professor Yemi Osinbajo, Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria was also present.
Nestlé Nigeria is the biggest food company in West Africa. In 2015, the company achieved a turnover of 151 billion Naira, reports the company. It employs around 2,400 people in 7 production facilities across the country.
Research company Euromonitor reveals that the total bottled water demand will record a total volume CAGR of 9% over the 2015-2020, driven by population and urbanisation growth.
