Nigerians Partner to Turn Local Gin To Premium Brand

When you first think of exporting “made in Nigeria”, the first thing on your mind would definitely not be “kai kai” but for Chibueze Akukwe and his partner Lola Pedro, the two Nigerians striving to take Nigeria’s locally produced gin into the international market as a luxury brand, it is a worthy cause.

Ogogoro is a popular local gin that is distilled from palm wine and is especially made in the south of Nigeria. Its production and consumption could be said to be as on a scale equivalent to the brewing industries. 

By combining traditional techniques with modern distillation processes Akukwe and his business partner Lola Pedro are aiming higher with Pedro’s palm Spirit to attract wealthy drinkers home and abroad.

“I didn’t see much of a difference between some of the big name brand spirits that we know all across the globe, when you compare those with Ogogoro,” said Akukwe,

“Our spirits deserve to be showcased,” he said. “Our culture and our heritage deserve to be showcased.”

Following the covid-19 restrictions, which forced people to cultivate new ways of hosting guests and friends, the brand is hoping to tap into a growing appetite for spirits in Africa’s most populous country.