Ghana’s Alomo Bitters Sold 580,000 Cartons in Nigeria in 2018

Alomo Bitters, the popular herbal alcoholic drink produced by Ghanaian-owned Kasapreko Ltd., recorded impressive sales figures in Nigeria in 2018. According to John Adesoye, the Nigerian Sales Representative for Kasapreko Ltd., the brand sold 580,000 cartons, amounting to 13.9 million bottles in the Nigerian market that year.

Alomo Bitters’ Market Presence in Nigeria

Since its introduction to Nigeria in 2014, Alomo Bitters has gained a strong foothold in the herbal alcoholic beverage market. The product comes in various packaging sizes and price points:

  • 100ml bottle (Kasapreko Alomo) – N150
  • 200ml bottle (Kalahari K20) – N250
  • 750ml bottle (Alomo Sachet) – N850

The brand’s rapid growth in Nigeria underscores its popularity among consumers seeking herbal-infused alcoholic beverages.

Challenges: Counterfeiting and Market Impact

Despite its success, Alomo Bitters faced a major challenge—counterfeiting. The widespread adulteration of the product not only posed health risks to consumers but also stalled Kasapreko’s plans to establish a $50 million manufacturing plant in Nigeria.

To combat this, the company introduced a hologram seal on Alomo Bitters bottles, ensuring authenticity and protecting consumers from fake products.

Health Concerns and Expert Warnings

While Alomo Bitters remains popular, health experts have advised caution in the consumption of herbal bitters in general. Some of the concerns raised include:

  • Dr. David Ajoh, a medical expert, emphasized that the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) only approves bitters that have undergone proper testing.
  • Mrs. Bukola Smith, a nutritionist, warned that many bitters in the market are not hygienically packaged and contain high alcohol content, which may pose health risks.

Consumers are urged to only purchase NAFDAC-certified bitters and consume them in moderation to avoid potential health hazards.

Final Thoughts

Alomo Bitters’ impressive sales in Nigeria highlight its strong market appeal, but challenges like counterfeiting and health concerns cannot be ignored. With continued efforts in brand protection and consumer education, the brand can maintain its dominance while ensuring safe consumption practices.