Giant Beverages Limited, Ikorodu, Lagos-based state-of-the-art beverage company was named amongst the top three finalists at the 2015 Global Bottled Water Congress and Awards held in Lisbon, Portugal. The awards formed the highlight of the 12th Global Bottled Water Congress which was organized by Zenith International, a world leading food and drinks consultancy in conjunction with media partners BeverageDaily.com, Beverfood and the International Bottled Water Association.
This feat is coming on the heels of the recent unveiling and introduction of Valmont, a super-premium water brand, unique in both content and packaging by Giant Beverages into the Nigerian market.
The awards attracted over 100 entries from 22 countries in 11 categories, demonstrating creativity, innovation, marketing, community initiative and environmental best practice. Valmont participated in the “Best New Brand” category where it was named top three finalist with global brands like “Hope in a Bottle” bottled by Friends of Hope Inc; and Glacéau Smartwater bottled by Coca-Cola Enterprises.
Speaking on the feat, Marketing Manager of the company, Mrs. Bose Ogunyemi said: “Nigerians will agree with me that it is it is indeed an honour to have a new product from Nigeria compete at the highest global level and come out tops. We believe it is testimony to the attention to detail, quality and packaging of our product. We will not rest on our oars as we strive to ensure that Valmont and our other products make the needed impact in the Nigerian market.”
She pointed out that Zenith international is a commercial and technical consultancy with 20 years market intelligence and conference services that have helped shape the worldwide food and drinks industry. “For our brand to have made a strong showing with more established global brands shows that we started on a strong footing. I can assure Nigerians that Giant Beverages, as a responsible corporate citizen, will contribute its quota towards the production of quality products.”
It would be recalled that Ogunyemi, had during the introduction of Valmont, referred to it as super-premium water produced to the best of international standards. “The water goes through our ultra-purification processes without being exposed to air until it enters our unique bottles, thus preserving its freshness and purity. It is called ‘Valmont’ for its strong, rich, luxurious and sophisticated background.”
She added that Valmont is natural and is produced to accompany fine food and luxurious lifestyle. Its transparent and minimalistic labeling further gives it an extra touch of class which is expected to appeal to discerning consumers who will stop at nothing to enjoy the best that life offers.
Shedding more light on the uniqueness of the brand, she also pointed out that one of its ranges comes with an innovation that is a first in the industry. “Our Sport cap (750ml) is the first in Nigeria and it is suited for on-the-go consumers, it is convenient and would not distract consumers’ from other activities such as driving, walking, etc.”
She stressed that Valmont “is a lifestyle brand” that delivers much more than hydration to the consumer. Valmont has the red cap which signifies prestige in Nigeria; it also makes the brand striking and outstanding. That is the fundamental reason the brand promises prestigious quality and purity.”
Appropriately positioned as a lifestyle brand, it is buoyed by symbolic attributes like sophistication, class, appeal and uniqueness. The brand also made a statement with the historic Zuma Rock as its brand icon.
On why the Abuja situated rock formation was chosen as its brand icon, Mrs. Ogunyemi noted that “The intrigue of the rock is that it bears a ‘human face’ on its surface, and this, for every Nigerian, is an ultimate symbol of the purity of nature. The freshness and natural purity of this cultural landmark is relatable to our Valmont. This is because our water is fresh and pure from start to finish. More importantly, it signifies that Valmont is a proud Nigerian brand.”
Giant Beverages Limited was set-up to focus primarily on the manufacture of quality healthy alternatives to the traditional sugar sweetened carbonated beverages. With this mandate, it will fill a huge gap in the beverage sector, a gap for healthy and natural beverages. This gap is a result of the increasing awareness of the Nigerian populace about lifestyle and nutritional issues as it affect their health. It is bent on ensuring that Nigerians live healthy lives despite a life expectancy of 51 years for men and 53 years for women.
