Nigeria is set to add its collection of export products as chocolates produced in the nation’s Ondo State would hit European markets from July beginning with the United Kingdom (UK).
This development was disclosed by the Managing Director of Sunshine Chocolate Factory, Robo Adhuzewhile speaking at a media parley in Akure, the Ondo State capital.
The MD stated that the export of chocolate bars, produced at the recently-completed factory at Alade Idanre in the State, would increase revenue from non-oil exports and Nigeria’s economic development.
Adhuze clarified that the chocolate bars would be launched in London by the Nigerian High Commissioner to the UK, Ambassador Sarafa Isola.
He said “The Nigeria’s High Commissioner to the UK is eager to launch the product in London.
“He has even invited us to the UK to exhibit our products, but we are waiting to complete all necessary documentation.
“We are the ones slowing things down as we want to ensure a hitch-free exercise otherwise, the launch would have taken place in February.
“The launch of the chocolate in London in July will be the precursor to the exportation of our products to the UK.
“This year, we would have our first official export as virtually everything is set.
“Documentation in Nigeria and the UK is the only issue we are tackling now”.
Delineating on the development, the Managing Director said shortly after hitting Europe, the chocolates would be exported to Canada and the U.S. before the end of the year.
Adhuze noted that the company’s exploratory team to Canada would return soon, after which a date would be fixed for its launch in that country.
He went further to add that the U.S. belt would follow in quick succession, even as the chocolate bars were already on sale there and in other parts of the world, though unofficially.
“The scheduled official launches would bring in foreign exchange as all documentation must have been completed.
“The launch of the chocolate in London in July will be the precursor to the exportation of our products to the UK.
“This year, we would have our first official export as virtually everything is set,” he noted.
It is imperative to note that the Sunshine Chocolate Factory is a Public-Private Partnership between the Ondo State Government and an indigenous company, Schokville Ltd, and its chocolates are the first to be produced in Nigeria from farm to bar.
