“Nigeria is Our Most Important Market in Africa” – Bacardi admits

Gbenga Adeyinka (R), MC at the trade dinner with Alex Kothoor

Recently, Mr. Facundo Bacardi, the chairman and great-great grandson of the founder of the world’s largest privately-owned spirit company founded in 1862 – Bacardi Limited, commenced his first trip to Africa with a
series of exotic events in Lagos, Nigeria. Just before commencing his trade-visit to some of the largest shopping malls in Lagos, he enthusiastically and excitedly explained the motive for this historical tour, “I’m happy to be here in Lagos, Nigeria– to show how incredibly committed we are, not only to Nigeria, but to the whole continent of Africa. Because, from where I sit in Bermuda, we look around the globe as to the markets that would be our largest and most important markets, and over the long term we’ve identified Nigeria as one of those markets – so you’re going to see a lot of us, a lot of activations, and a lot of our brands, because Bacardi is here to stay…”

L-R, Facundo Bacardi & Alex Kothoor

According to Jon Grey, the Regional President of Bacardi Limited,
representing the Middle East and Africa:

“Nigeria is the most important market for us in Africa, and activations uch as these are just our
little way of expressing our passion, gratitude, and commitment to the Nigerian people – and also show our
enthusiasm to work with Nigerian talents, as we introduce initiatives and projects that will inadvertently improve the quality of life for as many Nigerians we can touch”

At the end of the visit, and just before Mr. Facundo Bacardi’s departure the following day, Alex Kothoor, managing director of GDN Nigeria Limited, intimated that based on the success of this visit, and the impression Nigerians made on Mr. Facundo Bacardi, “we’ll be activating a Dance Talent Show sometime in the first or second quarter of next year, and also, we’ll be replicating the success of the Grey Goose Elton John AIDS Foundation here in Nigeria, by establishing a similar foundation to help combat the
spread of AIDS in Nigeria, and also help provide education and relief materials to people living with AIDS in the country.”

Facundo Bacardi signing bottles of Bacardi Reserve for guests

As a result of Facundo Bacardi’s visit, many positive sponsorship activations have already been recorded, and they include:

-AFRIFF Africa International Film Festival – sponsored by Martini
-Martini Male Model Search
-Bacardi Airtel Cool Wave (DJ Competition)
- FAB Magazine Awards – sponsored by Bacardi
- Sail Harbour Foundation Fund Raising Dinner – sponsored by Bacardi and
Martini
- Lagos Captain’s Cup 2011– sponsored by Grey Goose

**Bacardi is presently the third fastest-selling brand (alcohol) in the world.


Photo Buzz:

guest at Blush Nite dressed as Nefertiti

Jon Grey addressing guests at Trade Dinner

Right- guest dressed like Lawrence of Arabia at the Blush Nite