Audiomack Partners MTN To Bring Music Streaming To Over 76 Million Subscribers At Zero Data Cost

Esan Bolaji
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Audiomack Partners MTN To Bring Music Streaming To Over 76 Million Subscribers At Zero Data Cost

Audiomack has partnered with MTN Nigeria to unveil the Audiomack+MTN Data Bundle program (www.MTN.tc.Audiomack.com), which offers MTN subscribers tailored data bundles for streaming unlimited music and accessing content on Audiomack free of data charges.

The partnership will see MTN subscribers gain free access to Audiomack’s streaming service via their mobile devices on weekly and monthly subscriptions. The weekly plan offers 1.2GB + Free Audiomack at N270 while the monthly plan offers 2.5GB + Free Audiomack at N550.

Commenting on the partnership, Dave Macli, CEO and Co-Founder of Audiomack Africa said, “At Audiomack, we recognise the importance of access to quality music, and this coupled with Nigeria’s vibrant music industry has influenced this partnership. This relationship not only allows us to create shared value for MTN subscribers by delivering the best musical experiences but also enables us to further connect with the Nigerian music fans.”

Charlotte Bwana, Head of Business Development and Media Partnerships for Audiomack Africa described the partnership as a reinforcement of Audiomack’s commitment towards democratising music streaming, a mission from which MTN subscribers will greatly benefit from.

“High data costs are one of the barriers to music streaming and we are glad to be partnering with Africa’s leading telecommunications company to provide the Audiomack+ Data Bundle. We are truly excited to offer the best and hottest new musical tracks—a mix of real-time trending, top charts, and expertly-curated playlists to MTN subscribers.”

Also speaking, Srinivas Rao, Chief Digital Officer, MTN Nigeria said, “Collaboration is not just rhetoric for us; it is the guiding philosophy behind everything we do. We are good together. We recognize the growing need of our customers to have more options to access entertainment and have partnered with Audiomack to offer them an uninterrupted stream of the best, newest and most diverse music selections.”

With millions of  monthly active users in Nigeria, Audiomack continues to demonstrate its commitment to moving music forward across the region by providing accessibility for all.

Dove Launches Its First Refillable Deodorant

Esan Bolaji
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Dove Launches Its First Refillable Deodorant

Buy once. Refill for life. That’s the thinking behind Dove’s new refillable deodorant. It’s a first for the brand and a launch that’s set to disrupt the entire deodorants sector.

“Our refillable deodorant represents a new, more sustainable way of consumption – reinventing the daily deodorant for a planet in crisis,” explains Augusto Garzon, Dove’s Global Vice President of Deodorants.

“Thanks to this sleek, minimalist design, we’ve created something that’s more sustainable and more desirable

“A Major Step Forward For The Beauty Industry”

As part of the project, Dove consulted with A Plastic Planet, an organization that exists to “ignite and inspire the world to turn off the plastic tap”.

“Imagine a world where nothing hits the bin, where we can use the products we love without the guilt of creating yet more waste,” says the organization’s co-founder Sian Sutherland.

“As one of the biggest beauty companies in the world, Dove recognizing this, and leading the way to make refillable personal care products widely available to all, is a major step forward for the beauty industry.”

So How Does It Work?

The refillable deo comes in a durable, precision-engineered stainless steel case that’s designed to last a lifetime.* It’s so strong that it can withstand a force equivalent to being driven over by a car.** Keeping raw materials to a minimum, the Dove logo is engraved onto the metal, so there’s no plastic or paper wrapping or branding. And the case is sold in a box made from a recyclable 100% Forest Stewardship Council-approved card.

Dove Launches Its First Refillable Deodorant-Brand Spur Nigeria
Dove Launches Its First Refillable Deodorant-Brand Spur Nigeria

Dove estimates the refillable deo will help reduce virgin plastic waste by around 30 tonnes in its first year, as the case is made of stainless steel and the refill packaging is made from 98% recycled plastic. The refill packaging still requires a small amount of plastic to keep the deodorant fresh and hygienic, but Dove has created a solution that uses 54% less plastic than its regular stick pack.

By 2023, the brand aims to have reduced virgin plastic waste by up to 160 tonnes and have the refills made from 100% recycled plastic.

Refills are available in three fragrances, and all use Dove’s most caring aluminum-free formula – the only aluminum and alcohol-free deodorant on the market that’s enriched with one-quarter moisturizers. As well as skin-softening glycerin, the sticks contain effective odor-blocking ingredients and deliver 48-hour odour protection. Each refill clicks into the stainless steel case without mess or waste.

An ongoing commitment

In line with Unilever’s global commitments to reduce our plastic consumption, Dove currently has more than 100 different projects running around the world to explore sustainable solutions to product packaging.

By 2025, the brand has pledged that all Dove packs will be either plastic-free, made from 100% recycled plastic, or able to be refilled or reused. And in the last ten years, Dove’s initiatives to reduce plastic have already avoided the use of more than 10,000 tonnes of virgin plastic through redesign and use of recycled materials.

“Dove’s refillable deodorant is one of our existing ongoing sustainability initiatives to fight plastic waste. In 2019 we announced our commitment to reduce the use of virgin plastic by more than 20,500 tonnes per year. Given Dove’s size as one of the largest beauty companies in the world, we have the opportunity – and responsibility – to make a significant impact,” adds Dove’s Executive Vice President Alessandro Manfredi.

Dove refill deodorants are on sale in the US, from Target, Walmart, Tar​get.com and Walmart.com.

Stanbic IBTC’s YLS: Business Leaders Guide Youth On Turning Passion Into Profit

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Stanbic IBTC’s YLS: Business Leaders Guide Youth On Turning Passion Into Profit

Stanbic IBTC Holdings PLC, Nigeria’s leading end-to-end financial services organisation, held the 2021 edition of its Youth Leadership Series (YLS) on Thursday, 08 April 2021. The event held virtually this year due to the pandemic. Youths from across Nigeria and various parts of the world including the UK, USA, and UAE were in attendance.

Dr. Demola Sogunle, Chief Executive, Stanbic IBTC Holdings PLC, delivered the opening address. He stated that the YLS was birthed as an avenue to engage and empower young Nigerians into becoming future business leaders. He pointed that the youth made up over 50 percent of Nigeria’s population. Sogunle asserted that the organisation remained committed to the vision of grooming young Nigerians and providing guidance in order to become successful in every sphere of life.

He said, “The Nigerian youth require support, guidance, and empowerment to propel them to the pinnacle of their various fields. The innovative projects and tech disruptions championed by the youth in virtually every sector are proof of their ingenuity, skill, brilliance, and resourcefulness. At Stanbic IBTC Holdings PLC, we believe in breaking boundaries, hence our tagline, IT CAN BE, which is hinged upon the premise that everything is possible as long as we are dedicated and put in the requisite effort to make it work.”

The 2021 edition of YLS was themed ‘WINNING’ and had an array of well-versed speakers in the areas of trading and investments, building businesses, and monetizing with social media. These speakers shared their invaluable entrepreneurial experiences, challenges and success stories in three (3) breakout sessions, much to the delight and admiration of the youthful audience in attendance.

Debo Adebayo; an entertainer better known as Mr. Macaroni, spoke during the ‘Winning with Social Media’ breakout session. He said his passion and urge to succeed propelled him into the business of entertainment. He added that having realized he wanted more visibility; he invested in himself from his meager resources.

He advised youths to be passionate about their cause and added that with passion, resilience could be sustained in the face of debilitating challenges.

Ms. Ifedayo Agoro, the founder of Diary of a Naija Girl (DANG), an online lifestyle website, revealed that the need to be heard and give women a voice made her leave a thriving career in the oil and gas industry and started her online community. She noted that although she did well in her career, she was unhappy until she found fulfillment with DANG.

She said the first six months were not encouraging as many people didn’t really understand her vision, but she kept at it.  “Winning doesn’t only involve consistency, it also involves constantly adapting to change”, she added.

At the ‘Winning with Entrepreneurship’ breakout session, the duo of Olumide Soyombo, co-Founder, Bluechip Technologies, and Tracy Batta, co-Founder, Smoothie Express addressed business strategic moves, that included the rudiments of nurturing businesses. The panelists shared their experiences and entrepreneurship journeys with the participants.

Soyombo alluded that it was common to encounter challenges and uncertainty with business start-ups and advised entrepreneurs to remain flexible and well adapted to the ever-changing business climate.

On ‘Winning with Investments’, Akin Bamidele Akintola, Head of Equity Sales, Stanbic IBTC Stockbrokers, emphasised the need to make adequate preparations for the future. He explained that it was better to save in investments such as stocks and mutual funds, as the economy was largely unpredictable.

Co-founder of Bamboo Invest, an investment platform that allows Nigerians to invest in United States stocks, Yanmo Omorogbe said her major challenge was getting funding and investors before the pandemic. She advised people to believe in themselves, improve pitching skills and be persistent. She also stated that when entering any investment business, it was important to know the regulators.

As Wole Adeniyi, Chief Executive, Stanbic IBTC Bank PLC, gave his closing remarks, he assured thousands of the participants at the event that Stanbic IBTC would continue to make productive investments in the lives of the younger generation, as well as providing the needed financial solutions that would help them achieve their dreams.

The general takeaway from this year’s YLS was that consistency, passion, self-development and value-addition remained essential ingredients for winning.

Nigerian Exchange Lists N13.7bn Emzor Pharmaceuticals’ Bond

Esan Bolaji
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Nigerian Exchange Lists N13.7bn Emzor Pharmaceuticals’ Bond

Nigerian Exchange (NGX) Limited has listed Emzor Pharmaceuticals Plc’s N13.7 billion 5-Year Series 1 Fixed Rate Senior Unsecured Bond due 2026 under its N50 billion Debt Issuance Programme.

According to the Nigerian Exchange, the listing of the bond showed that it was becoming the preferred listing destination for companies seeking to raise capital via corporate bonds, including private companies.

Nigerian Exchange Lists N13.7bn Emzor Pharmaceuticals’ Bond Brandspurng

The exchange explained that at the time of its issuance on 20 January 2021, the bond saw solid interest from a diverse pool of institutional investors, and was priced at a coupon rate of 10.00 per cent per annum. With this listing, members of the general public who invested in the bond can now sell their investments, while those who wish to invest can do so.

Speaking on the significance and success of the bond issuance, the Group Managing Director, Emzor Pharmaceuticals, Dr. Stella Okoli, said: 

“This first-time bond issuance is a fantastic achievement for Emzor and is in line with our commitment to facilitate unlimited wellness by delivering quality and affordable medicines for all.

“The capital raised will, therefore, drive and accelerate our expansion plans, delivering strong growth and margin improvement. We recognize the efforts of the investor community ensuring the success of this bond issuance and commit to upholding their confidence in us as we deliver on our long-term growth strategy.”

She said Emzor Pharmaceutical had become a household name and continued to establish its footprint as a leading manufacturer of high-quality pharmaceutical and medical consumables in Nigeria. According to the company, that facilitated by lead issuing house, Renaissance Securities (Nigeria) Limited, and joint issuing house, Afrinvest (West Africa) Limited, the debut offering was without a doubt, a testament to its growth potential and the level of confidence placed on the brand by the investing community.

On its part, NGX Limited said it would continue to deliver on its commitment to provide a platform for issuers and investors to meet their investment objectives. It noted that just a week ago, BUA Cement’s debut listed an N115billion bond issue, the largest of many corporate debt issuances in the history of the Nigerian capital market.

Meanwhile, the stock market extended gains for the third consecutive trading session as a result of price appreciation in Guaranty Trust Bank Plc, Lafarge Africa Plc Union Bank of Nigeria Plc.

Consequently, the NGX All-Share Index rose 0.29 percent to close at 39,128.34. The year-to-date decline moderated to 2.8 percent.

COVID-19: Play Your Part Alongside Bolt In Enhancing A Sustainable Environment

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COVID-19: Play Your Part Alongside Bolt In Enhancing A Sustainable Environment

As fewer people contract COVID-19 and the rollout of the vaccination takes place, more people start to move in cities across the country.

This will mean a return to commuting and sitting in traffic which is a significant challenge for road users across Nigeria.

The various causes that attribute to traffic in the major cities include high number of cars, the road infrastructure, and high influx of people during peak hours.

In 2017, the National Bureau of Statistics estimated the vehicle population was 11,458,370 during the first quarter of the year in Nigeria. 58.8% of these were commercial vehicles. Privately owned vehicles made up 44.5%, with government and diplomatic vehicles at 1.65 and 0.1%, respectively.

In a country where most cars have fuel combustion pipes, people need to be proactive to reduce the number of vehicles on the roads to have an eco-friendly environment. 22nd of April is set aside to commemorate the evolution of planet earth and continue to conscientious people to preserve it. Since the first World Earth Day in 1970, the earth has been plagued by challenges of global warming driven by greenhouse gas emissions from human activities and other pollutions.

While Nigeria awaits an increase in demand for hybrid and electric cars, the decision on how commuters choose to move, plays an important role in enhancing a greener environment. With mobility platforms such as Bolt, the journey to a sustainable environment may be a possibility. Making the choice to travel within existing transport could improve the quality of life subsequently, ensuring a healthy environment.

Riding consciously with Bolt could potentially save one money that could be used for priorities like health care, recreational activities, and education while contributing to the reduction in gas emission to restore the earth. This effort could enable a sustainable ecosystem where commuters can restore the earth.

The little decisions and actions each person makes contribute to how healthy and sustainably everyone in their respective communities. As World Earth Day is observed, these are but a few things that can make the earth a better place to live, such as:

  • Eat organic food and plant your own fruit and vegetables in the garden
  • Make use of biodegradable and reusable materials
  • Switch off the lights when you leave home
  • And when heading out to a particular destination, ride in a Bolt to support the restoration of the planet

Gideon John, Wale Akinola Win VBank Snooker & Billiards Tournament (Photos)

Esan Bolaji
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Gideon John, Wale Akinola Win VBank Snooker & Billiards Tournament (Photos)

The 2021 VBank Open Snooker and Billiards Tournament held in partnership with the Lagos Country Club, Ikeja, closed in grand style over the weekend, with Gideon John emerging as the biggest winner of the night after defeating Shehu Bamidele, 3-0. Wale Akintola took the billiards game in an exciting 150 to 135 win.

Gideon John, Wale Akinola Win VBank Snooker & Billiards Tournament (Photos)
Snooker champion, Gideon John.
Gideon John, Wale Akinola Win VBank Snooker & Billiards Tournament (Photos)
Wole Akinola, Billiards champion.

The tournament which kicked off on Tuesday, 6th April 2021, had 32 initial players before whittling down to the Top 4 who played their hearts out last Saturday. Victor Ukueku bested Abiodun Christopher in a match of five frames to clinch the third-place prize of N80,000 and consolation prizes.

Gideon John, Wale Akinola Win VBank Snooker & Billiards Tournament (Photos)
Snooker winners Shehu Bamidele, Gideon John and Victor Ukueku.

Speaking at the colourful closing ceremony, Head, Marketing and Corporate Communications, VFD Group, Efeturi Doghudje thanked the management of Lagos Country Club for a successful competition and all the players for conducting themselves professionally.

Gideon John, Wale Akinola Win VBank Snooker & Billiards Tournament (Photos)
Efeturi Doghudje, Head Marketing and Corporate Communication offers vote of thanks.

“I thank the president of LCC, the patrons, captain and members of the Snooker and Billiards section and the guests that are here to witness and cheer the players. Your presence shows the importance you attach to this championship. On behalf of Vbank, I congratulate the winners and hope that you continue to represent the sports at all levels“

Gideon John, Wale Akinola Win VBank Snooker & Billiards Tournament (Photos)
From L to R – Ebere Ahaotu, SPM, Vbank, Lolade Nwanze, PR & Comms Manager, VFD, Gbenga Paseda, SPM Digital Channels, Vbank.
Gideon John, Wale Akinola Win VBank Snooker & Billiards Tournament (Photos)
Third Place finalists.

A delighted Gideon John walked away with the highest cash prize of N150,000 and an extra sum of N20,000 being prize money for the Highest Break of the Snookers tournament, which he set at 38. The first runner up, Shehu Bamidele, won N100,000 in cash prize as well as branded gifts.

Similarly, for the Billiards Championship which held simultaneously, top 3 winners emerged Friday. First-place winner, Wale Akinola, received N100,000 cash while Edafe Agbah came third winning N50,000 only. Snooker’s Victor Ukueku took second place in the billiards tourney winning another N80,000. It was a night of pleasant surprises and upsets.

VBank, the digital banking app and product of VFD Microfinance bank, continues to blaze the trail in its identification with Snooker games as this is its second Snooker tournament in six months, each time giving away fabulous prizes and cash gift. In closing this tourney, the section captain at LCC, Osasogie Osazuwa, was grateful for a successful hosting.

Hollandia Yoghurt Unveils New Communication Campaign

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Hollandia Yoghurt Unveils New Communication Campaign

Hollandia Yoghurt, Nigeria’s leading drinking yoghurt brand, has unveiled a new communication campaign themed “Wholesome Nourishment From Your Favourite Brand”. The campaign is aimed at increasing brand awareness as it looks to further endear the brand to consumers as the favourite drinking yoghurt brand for wholesome nourishment.

Hollandia Yoghurt New Communication Campaign Brandspurng Hollandia Yoghurt Unveils New Communication Campaign

Deployed across different communication channels including TV, Radio, Print, and Digital platforms, the new campaign features recently signed talented Actress, TV personality and Influencer, Zainab Balogun-Nwachukwu. Through her versatility in the campaign, Balogun-Nwachukwu stimulates positive consumer experiences with her favourite Hollandia Yoghurt and connects them with the nutritious benefits of the brand.

The “Wholesome Nourishment From Your Favourite Brand” campaign will particularly strike a chord with millions of Muslims across Nigeria as they embark on the Ramadan fast this season. Experts say that when it comes to building a healthy diet during Ramadan, the key is to go for lighter but filling foods and dairy that will help your body meet and replenish the amount of energy and nutrients it needs during the day.

Hollandia Yoghurt provides the wholesome nourishment for active replenishment and revitalizing energy that keeps you positively recharged to be at your best for the day.

Hollandia Yoghurt can be consumed on the go, at work, at school, at play, or at any other time or place and comes in delightful variants, as well as convenient pack sizes. It is loved by consumers who want a healthy and great tasting dairy beverage that provides an exciting way to add the required nutrients to their daily diets.

Hollandia Yoghurt contains B-Vitamins (B2, B5, B12 & H), Vitamin A, Proteins, Carbohydrates, Calcium, Potassium and Iron, which are essential to support the body’s development and overall wellness.

Commenting on the new campaign, CHI Limited Marketing Director, Mrs. Toyin Nnodi, stated that the new Hollandia Yoghurt

“Wholesome Nourishment From Your Favourite Brand” campaign will drive consumer awareness and appeal to a larger audience to adopt the brand for its quality nutritional benefits, convenience and value. 

“We have a great product with a very loyal following and hope to broaden our awareness of the Hollandia Yoghurt brand as well as grow our consumer base with the new campaign in a way that resonates with our target audiences,”.

Hollandia Yoghurt is available in two variants of Plain Sweetened and Strawberry, and it comes in five different pack sizes of 1Ltr, 500ml, 315ml, 180ml and 90ml

CHI Limited Introduces Hollandia Zero Yoghurt

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CHI Limited Introduces Hollandia Zero Yoghurt

Leading fruit juice, drinking yoghurt, evaporated milk, and snacks manufacturer, CHI Limited, has expanded its nourishment offering with the introduction of Hollandia Zero Yoghurt. It is a premium innovative product offering that combines the natural taste and nutrition of yoghurt with the unique benefits of Zero Added Sugar, Zero Artificial Sweetener & Zero Lactose.

CHI Limited Introduces Hollandia Zero Yoghurt
Hollandia Zero Yoghurt | Brand Spur Nigeria

The product launch will be supported by a campaign with the launch message, “So Much Yoghurt Goodness, Zero Compromise”, and deployed across TV, Radio, Out-of-Home, Digital platforms, Van branding, and Point of Sale communication channels.

The new Hollandia Zero Yoghurt is a perfect option for those looking to explore a more mindful approach to drinking yoghurt while being able to enjoy the goodness of yoghurt. Hollandia Zero Yoghurt targets the increasing number of health-conscious consumers who desire a nourishing drinking yoghurt beverage that has no added calories.

CHI Limited Introduces Hollandia Zero Yoghurt Brandspurng1

Hollandia Zero Yoghurt’s unique premium packaging will appeal to its target audience and ensure the brand stands out on shelves in stores. The packaging boldly highlights its nutritional cues such as Zero Added Sugar, Zero Artificial Sweetener, Zero Lactose and nourishing goodness, reassuring consumers of a high-quality yoghurt despite being a lower calorie option.

Hollandia Zero Yoghurt contains all the goodness and nourishment of drinking yoghurt with the added benefits of Vitamins A, B1, B2, B5, B12, H, Calcium, Potassium, Iron & Protein. It is also a low-fat drinking yoghurt which makes it the perfect choice for weight-conscious consumers.

CHI Limited Marketing Director, Mrs. Toyin Nnodi, stated that Hollandia Yoghurt is a brand defined by its consistent innovation and the launch of the Hollandia Zero Yoghurt is a major strategic step to woo the growing number of health-conscious and sophisticated consumers.

“We are delighted to expand Hollandia Yoghurt into the low-fat category with Zero Added Sugar, Zero Artificial Sweetener and Zero Lactose. When you look at health trends today, you notice a growing community of consumers seeking to meet their weight goal. We sought ways to appeal to these consumers, and Hollandia Zero Yoghurt is the result,” she said.

Hollandia Zero Yoghurt is available in 2 packs sizes of 1Ltr and 315ml.

Insurtech Start-Up OKO Raises $1.2 Million To Bring Innovative Insurance To Smallholder Farmers Across Africa

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Insurtech Start-Up OKO Raises $1.2 Million To Bring Innovative Insurance To Smallholder Farmers Across Africa

April 22, 2021 – OKO, an Insurtech start-up that provides inclusive agricultural insurance to secure farmers’ income across Africa, has closed a seed investment of $1.2 million. The round was led by Newfund and ResiliAnce. Mercy Corps Venture, Techstars, ImpactAssets and RaSa also participated in the round.

Insurtech Start-Up OKO Raises $1.2 Million To Bring Innovative Insurance To Smallholder Farmers Across Africa Brandspurng

The insurtech start-up which currently operates in Mali and Uganda uses satellite data and mobile payments to create automated insurance products for farmers whose fields are affected adversely by weather events — primarily droughts and floods. With the new funding, OKO aims to strengthen its presence in Mali and Uganda and expand its offerings to more African markets, starting with Ivory Coast.

“Agriculture is by far the largest source of occupation in Africa, with an estimated 33 million farms. And yet, farmers are deprived from basic financial services like insurance and loans” says Simon Schwall, founder of OKO. “We are using technology to solve this issue and secure the income of those farmers”.

Insurtech Start-Up OKO Raises $1.2 Million To Bring Innovative Insurance To Smallholder Farmers Across Africa Brandspurng

The company already has approximately 7,000 paying customers in Mali and compensated more than 1,000 farmers last year, who were affected by floods. OKO’s customers typically grow maize, cotton, sesame or millet. OKO also works with agro-industries to help them with their sustainability goals and secure their relationships with suppliers. Successful pilots were completed with ABInBev and Touton in Uganda.

This convinced Augustin Sayer, partner at Newfund, to support OKO:

“We believe recent advancement in iOT and data availability will lead to the rise of parametric insurance in Africa for the benefit of the local populations. Simon and his team have built solid bases in Mali from which OKO can now expand in new countries and offer new insurance products.”
Insurtech Start-Up OKO Raises $1.2 Million To Bring Innovative Insurance To Smallholder Farmers Across Africa Brandspurng
OKO takes pride in being the most inclusive crop insurance available. All farmers need to connect to OKO is a phone (no smartphone required): they can dial a short code to obtain more information and pay through mobile money services. To achieve this level of accessibility, the company partners with mobile operators.
“OKO has taken full benefit of the Orange Money platform to provide a service that is both innovative and inclusive,” says Aicha Touré, CEO of Orange Money in Mali.

Daniel Block from Mercy Corps Ventures added:

“While other micro-insurance for farmers exist, we were impressed by OKO’s ability to partner with a pan-African operator like Orange and establish a direct consumer link, which allows for an exciting opportunity to drive deeper user engagement and expand to a suite of insurance products for rural farmers in the future
The service offered by OKO is supported by regulators and has won both the Fintech Showcase Award by the Alliance for Financial Inclusion, representing financial regulators of emerging countries, and the SME award from ITU, the telecommunication governing body.
When asked about the next challenges for OKO, Simon Schwall’s answer is clear: “we need to find more partners who can bring our product to farmers, be it NGOs, agro-industrial players, mobile operators or governmental programmes. We proved that our solution is working and answers a strong need. Now we need to scale”
https://youtu.be/xoQxewFYdI8

Nestlé Sub-Saharan Africa Reports Double-Digit Based On Strong Sales Developments For Maggi, Milo And Nescafé

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Nestlé Sub-Saharan Africa Reports Double-Digit Based On Strong Sales Developments For Maggi, Milo And Nescafé

Nestlé’s organic growth reached 7.7%, with real internal growth (RIG) of 6.4% and pricing of 1.2%. Growth was broad-based across most geographies, supported by early signs of recovery from out-of-home channels, improved pricing and market share gains.

Foreign exchange reduced sales by 5.3% due to the continued appreciation of the Swiss franc against most currencies. Net divestitures had a negative impact of 1.0%. As a result, total reported sales increased by 1.3% to CHF 21.1 billion (3M-2020: CHF 20.8 billion).

Portfolio management on track. The sale of Nestlé’s regional spring water brands, purified water business and beverage delivery service in the U.S. and Canada was completed on March 31, 2021. The acquisition of Essentia Water was completed on March 5, 2021.

Zone Asia, Oceania and sub-Saharan Africa (AOA)

  • 9.1% organic growth: 8.8% RIG; 0.3% pricing.
  • China posted double-digit organic growth, based on strong RIG partially offset by slightly negative pricing.
  • South-East Asia saw low single-digit organic growth, with positive RIG and slightly negative pricing.
  • South Asia reported double-digit organic growth, with strong RIG and positive pricing.
  • Sub-Saharan Africa recorded double-digit organic growth, led by strong RIG and positive pricing.
  • Japan, South Korea and Oceania combined saw low single-digit organic growth. Positive RIG was partially offset by slightly negative pricing.

Organic growth reached 9.1%, with RIG of 8.8%. Pricing increased to 0.3%. Net divestitures had a negative impact of 3.4%, largely related to the divestment of the Yinlu peanut milk and canned rice porridge businesses in China. Foreign exchange reduced sales by 3.4%. Reported sales in Zone AOA increased by 2.3% to CHF 5.1 billion.

Zone AOA reported high single-digit organic growth, helped by a low base of comparison in China. Outside of China, the Zone grew at a mid-single-digit rate. Most categories gained market share, particularly coffee and pet food.

China saw double-digit growth, helped by a recovery in out-of-home channels and the timing of Chinese New Year. Growth was broad-based across most product categories, reflecting continued momentum in e-commerce and a strong innovation pipeline.

The largest growth contributor was Nestlé Professional, as sales improved significantly. Coffee, culinary, dairy and confectionery all grew at double-digit rates. Growth in Infant Nutrition turned positive. Purina Petcare reported strong growth, led by premium offerings such as Purina Pro Plan and veterinary products.

South-East Asia posted low single-digit growth in a difficult economic environment. Positive sales developments for most categories were partially offset by sales decreases in out-of-home channels and Infant Nutrition.

South Asia recorded double-digit growth, with positive contributions from Maggi, Nescafé and KitKat.

Sub-Saharan Africa grew at a double-digit rate, based on strong sales developments for Maggi, Milo and Nescafé. Japan posted mid-single-digit growth, led by KitKat and Starbucks products.

Nestlé Sub-Saharan Africa Reports Double-Digit Based On Strong Sales Developments For Maggi, Milo And Nescafé

Sales in South Korea grew at a strong double-digit rate, driven by coffee. Oceania reported slightly negative growth due to a high base of comparison.

By product category, sales in culinary, dairy and coffee all grew at double-digit rates. Infant Nutrition posted slightly negative growth but gained market share in South Asia and Africa. Growth in confectionery and Nestlé Professional turned positive, led by China and Japan.

Mark Schneider, Nestlé CEO, commented:

“We are pleased with Nestlé’s strong organic sales growth in the first quarter, building on broad-based contributions from most geographies and product categories. Our growth was fueled by disciplined execution, enhanced digital capabilities and rapid innovation, resulting in further market share gains. Retail sales saw solid growth and out-of-home channels saw signs of improvement. We confirm our guidance for the year and our mid-term outlook for sustained mid-single-digit organic growth.

The development of COVID-19 vaccines has given the world hope and we are supporting the broad and equitable delivery of vaccines in the communities where we operate. Our partnership with the International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies is helping to get vaccines to those who need them most. In these challenging times, we can truly demonstrate how business can act as a force for good and help accelerate the recovery.”

Group sales

Organic growth reached 7.7%, with RIG of 6.4%. Pricing increased to 1.2%, reflecting input cost inflation.

Growth was broad-based across most geographies. Organic growth was 5.0% in developed markets, based mostly on RIG. Pricing was positive. Growth in emerging markets was 11.4%, with strong RIG and positive pricing.

Most product categories delivered strong organic growth. Coffee was the largest contributor to growth, fueled by strong demand for Nespresso, Nescafé and Starbucks products. Dairy grew at a double-digit rate, based on elevated demand for home-baking products and fortified milk.

MILO switches to paper straws to protect the environment

Purina PetCare saw high single-digit growth, led by its science-based and premium brands Purina Pro Plan, Purina ONE and Felix. Prepared dishes and cooking aids posted broad-based double-digit growth, with robust momentum across most brands. Vegetarian and plant-based food offerings continued to see strong double-digit growth, led by Garden Gourmet.

Confectionery grew at a double-digit rate, supported by improved growth in impulse and gifting products as well as sustained momentum in home-baking products. Nestlé Health Science reported high single-digit growth, reflecting increased demand for vitamins, minerals and supplements and healthy-ageing products.

Infant Nutrition saw a sales decrease. A return to positive growth in China was more than offset by sales declines in other markets, due to consumer stockpiling in March last year and lower birth rates in the context of the pandemic. Water recorded negative growth due to its high exposure to out-of-home channels.

By channel, retail sales posted high single-digit organic growth, reflecting continued strong demand for at-home consumption. Sales declines in out-of-home channels moderated, with a return to positive growth in AOA.

E-commerce sales grew by 39.6%, reaching 14.5% of total Group sales. Most categories saw strong momentum, particularly coffee, Purina PetCare and culinary.

Net divestitures decreased sales by 1.0%, largely related to the divestment of the Herta charcuterie business and the Yinlu peanut milk and canned rice porridge businesses. Foreign exchange reduced sales by 5.3%, reflecting the appreciation of the Swiss franc versus most currencies, particularly in emerging markets. Total reported sales increased by 1.3% to CHF 21.1 billion.

Portfolio Management

On March 5, 2021, Nestlé completed the acquisition of Essentia Water, a premium functional water brand in the U.S.

On March 31, 2021, Nestlé completed the sale of its regional spring water brands, purified water business and beverage delivery service in the U.S. and Canada to One Rock Capital Partners, in partnership with Metropoulos & Co. for USD 4.3 billion.

Zone Americas (AMS)

  • 7.2% organic growth: 4.8% RIG; 2.4% pricing.
  • North America posted mid-single-digit organic growth, with strong RIG and positive pricing.
  • Latin America reached double-digit organic growth, with positive RIG and pricing.

Organic growth was 7.2%, with a strong RIG of 4.8%. Pricing contributed 2.4%, improving in both North and Latin America. Net acquisitions increased sales by 0.3%. The acquisitions of Freshly and Essentia Water more than offset the divestiture of the U.S. ice cream business.

Nestlé Sub-Saharan Africa Reports Double-Digit Based On Strong Sales Developments For Maggi, Milo And Nescafé

Foreign exchange had a negative impact of 8.6%, reflecting broad-based currency depreciation against the Swiss franc, particularly in Latin America. Reported sales in Zone AMS decreased by 1.2% to CHF 8.2 billion.

Zone AMS reported high single-digit organic growth, with a high base of comparison in 2020. The Zone saw broad-based market share gains, led by pet food, coffee, dairy and Infant Nutrition.

North America recorded mid-single-digit growth, with strong RIG in most product categories and positive pricing. Frozen and chilled food was the largest growth contributor, supported by Stouffer’s, Lean Cuisine and the recently launched Life Cuisine. The newly acquired Freshly business posted strong growth, helped by expanded distribution.

The beverages category grew at a double-digit rate, with strong demand for Starbucks at-home products, Coffee-mate and Nescafé. Purina PetCare delivered mid-single-digit growth, with strong momentum in e-commerce and premium brands Purina Pro Plan, Purina ONE and Fancy Feast. Merrick recorded strong growth, supported by new product launches in Healthy Grains.

Home-baking products, including Toll House and Carnation, saw positive growth. Sales of ice cream and confectionery in Canada grew at a double-digit rate, driven by Häagen-Dazs and KitKat. Water and Nestlé Professional reported negative growth, with sales declines moderating.

Latin America reached double-digit growth, with both strong RIG and pricing across geographies and most product categories. Sales in Brazil grew at a double-digit rate, with strong growth in confectionery, dairy and coffee. Mexico also reported broad-based double-digit growth, reflecting the high demand for Nescafé and home-baking brands, La Lechera and Abuelita.

Sales in Chile grew at a double-digit rate, led by ice cream and confectionery. By product category, dairy, confectionery, Purina PetCare and coffee saw double-digit growth. Infant Nutrition continued to see positive sales development, particularly in Mexico and Brazil. Sales in Nestlé Professional turned positive.

Zone Europe, Middle-East and North Africa (EMENA)

  • 4.4% organic growth: 3.8% RIG; 0.6% pricing.
  • Western Europe saw low single-digit organic growth with solid RIG, partially offset by negative pricing.
  • Central and Eastern Europe reached high single-digit organic growth, with strong RIG and positive pricing.
  • The Middle East and North Africa posted mid-single-digit organic growth, based on positive RIG and pricing.

Organic growth reached 4.4%, with a strong RIG of 3.8% supported by a favourable mix. Pricing turned positive, contributing 0.6%. Net divestitures reduced sales by 3.7%, largely related to the divestment of the Herta charcuterie business. Foreign exchange negatively impacted sales by 2.8%. Reported sales in Zone EMENA decreased by 2.1% to CHF 5.2 billion.

Zone EMENA reported mid-single-digit organic growth, with a high base of comparison in 2020. Each region posted positive growth, with strong momentum in Russia, Turkey, the United Kingdom and Italy. The Zone continued to see broad-based market share gains, including in pet food, coffee, plant-based food products and Infant Nutrition.

By product category, the key growth drivers were coffee and Purina PetCare, fueled by continued momentum in e-commerce and new product launches. Coffee saw double-digit growth, with strong demand for Nescafé and Starbucks products.

Nescafé Farmers Origins, a new range of coffee capsules for Nespresso machines, was launched in Spain. Sales in Purina PetCare grew at a double-digit rate, driven by premium brands Purina Pro Plan, Purina ONE and Felix. Tails.com and Lily’s Kitchen also saw strong momentum, supported by continued distribution expansion.

Culinary posted high single-digit growth, led by Maggi seasoning, Garden Gourmet and the recently acquired Mindful Chef business. Sales of ambient dairy in the Middle East and North Africa grew at a double-digit rate, with strong growth in Nido. Confectionery reported low single-digit growth, with strong sales developments in France and Russia.

Incoa, premium chocolate made exclusively with cocoa fruit and no added sugar, was launched in France and the Netherlands with other European markets to follow. Infant Nutrition posted negative growth due to consumer stockpiling in March last year and lower birth rates in the context of the pandemic. Water and Nestlé Professional reported a sales decrease, with improvement towards the end of the quarter.

Nespresso

  • 17.1% organic growth: 16.3% RIG; 0.8% pricing.

Organic growth reached 17.1%, based on a strong RIG of 16.3% and pricing of 0.8%. Foreign exchange negatively impacted sales by 1.4%. Reported sales in Nespresso increased by 15.6% to CHF 1.6 billion.

Nespresso reported double-digit organic growth, reflecting continued expansion of the Vertuo system and strong demand for the Original system. Growth was fueled by continued strong momentum in e-commerce and innovation. New products included the expansion of the World Explorations range, including Buenos Aires and Shanghai, and new limited editions in the Master Origins range, and a new Master Origins offering, Nicaragua La Cumplida Refinada.

By geography, the Americas, EMENA and AOA all posted double-digit growth. North America was the strongest contributor to the growth and continued to gain market share.

In March, Nespresso announced a CHF 117 million investment in the expansion of its Avenches production and distribution centre in Switzerland to meet growing consumer demand worldwide.

Nestlé Health Science

  • 9.5% organic growth: 9.4% RIG; 0.1% pricing.

Organic growth was 9.5%, with a strong RIG of 9.4% and pricing of 0.1%. Net acquisitions increased sales by 17.3%, largely related to the acquisitions of Vital Proteins, Zenpep and Aimmune. Foreign exchange negatively impacted sales by 5.2%. Reported sales in Nestlé Health Science increased by 21.6% to CHF 0.9 billion.

Nestlé Health Science posted high single-digit organic growth, building on a strong first quarter last year. Vitamins, minerals and supplements that support health and the immune system continued to see strong demand. Growth was supported by momentum in e-commerce, new product launches and geographic expansion.

Consumer Care posted double-digit growth, with strong contributions from Garden of Life and Vital Proteins. Persona, the subscription-based personalized vitamin business, more than doubled its sales. Healthy-ageing products grew at a double-digit rate. Medical Nutrition saw mid-single-digit growth with robust sales developments for acute and adult medical care products, particularly Peptamen and Compleat.

By geography, the Americas posted double-digit growth. Sales in EMENA and AOA grew at a mid-single-digit rate.

Business as a force for good: Supporting equitable COVID-19 vaccination

The development of effective vaccines against COVID-19 has given the world hope. Widespread vaccination is crucial to overcoming the pandemic, and Nestlé advocates for everyone getting vaccinated in line with public health priorities.

There is an urgent need to advance equitable access of vaccines, particularly in low-income countries. That is why Nestlé has entered into a new partnership with the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) and National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, to support the delivery of vaccines to underserved communities around the world.

The partnership includes action at the global level, as well as targeted support in vulnerable countries and regions. Much of the work will focus on the establishment of vaccination sites, the transport of vaccines, information campaigns and promotion of the vaccination of high-risk groups.

Together with other partnerships, Nestlé has committed CHF 10 million to equitable vaccination efforts to date. Nestlé recently announced a contribution to support COVAX to rapidly scale up the international delivery of vaccines to low-income countries. We are also working directly with government authorities in some countries to provide donations and support for local vaccination programs.

The support for equitable access to vaccines is just the latest phase in Nestlé’s response to the COVID-19 crisis. We will continue to engage in the fight against the pandemic and its consequences, protecting people, maintaining the global food supply and giving a helping hand to our local communities.

Outlook

Full-year 2021 outlook confirmed: a continued increase in organic sales growth towards a mid-single-digit rate. The underlying trading operating profit margin with continued moderate improvement. Underlying earnings per share in constant currency and capital efficiency expected to increase.

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