SPAR partners BOI, MAN to promote local content

SPAR Nigeria joined the campaign for more exposure for Made in Nigeria products and brands following a successful SME Bazaar event that took place recently.

The maiden edition of the SME Bazaar which drew local businesses from different sectors including fashion, pharmaceuticals, confectionary, arts, cosmetics, winery etc, was an opportunity for brands with 100 percent local content to showcase their products to shoppers at SPAR Hypermarket Ilupeju.

The product display was the final stage in a series of workshops by the organisers including Bank of Industry, Manufacturers Association of Nigeria and the Retail Council of Nigeria SPAR Nigeria. The objective was to educate and offer professional assistance to small businesses on the dynamics of modern day retail.

Over 40 growing businesses which participated in the SME development workshop that held recently got the opportunity to display their products.

“As a hypermarket store, we are deeply interested in retailing Made in Nigeria products. We need to encourage and support growing businesses to standardize and align with best practices in the modern retail world,” according to Prakesh Keswani, deputy managing director, SPAR Nigeria.

Adetokunbo Akinsola, regional head, SME Division of Bank of Industry (BOI) commended the entrepreneurial spirit of the vendors. He noted that the products on display had the potential to go beyond the shores of Nigeria if the vendors were to remain committed to high quality practices. He assured the vendors of BOI’s wiliness to support their business goals and objectives.

The turn-out at the SME bazaar was a point to note for Doris Onwugamba, managing director of the business arm of Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN).

“It is evident that Nigerians are interested in Made in Nigeria goods. I am excited that vendors have upgraded on their packaging and registrations,” Onwugamba said.

The vendors on their part, expressed appreciation for the opportunity up-scale their businesses on a larger platform. Amede Olisa-Achingale a producer of organic food products said the bazaar has offered her the skills to position her products for effective market reach.

“The bazaar was a huge success and the first of many more such events to come. SPAR Nigeria is poised to encourage Nigerians to purchase made-in-Nigeria goods by stocking made-in-Nigeria goods in SPAR stores nationwide,” said Keswani.

FRANK ELEANYA