As part of its $50M (fifty million United States Dollars) business investment in Nigeria, Otsuka Nigeria Nutraceuticals Company (ONNC), a subsidiary of Otsuka Pharmaceutical Company Japan performed the ground-breaking ceremony for Pocari Sweat’s manufacturing factory in Sagamu, Ogun State Nigeria on 24th November 2023. Otsuka Pharmaceutical company, a publicly quoted business in Japan and one of the leading pharmaceutical companies in the world has been in business for 102 years.
Pocari Sweat is an ION Supply Health Drink, a high-quality product of Japanese science with a composition similar to the body fluid. It replenishes ions lost to sweat, rehydrates the body faster and hydrates the body for longer.
According to the Managing Director of Otsuka Nigeria Nutraceuticals Company, Mr. Yoshihiro Bando during the ceremony, the factory, when commissioned, will bring a huge economic contribution to Nigeria as it promises to create about 1,100 jobs in the future and will also source about 80% of the raw materials locally. “Nigeria represents an important market and with a rising and vibrant population, our ultimate aim with the factory here is to meet the growing demand for optimum rehydration by bringing the goodness one of the world’s best ION Supply Drink to Nigerians with a production base in the country.” When this factory is completed, it will become Otsuka’s first factory for Nutraceuticals and Pocari Sweat in Africa.
According to him, Pocari Sweat, which was inspired by Otsuka’s core business of IV solutions, was launched in Japan in 1980. It is often referred to as the “drinkable IV Solution” (drip) and has been embraced not only in Japan but also in Indonesia and various Asian countries. It stands as Asia’s number 1 electrolyte and isotonic beverage, consumed during exercises, all sweating occasions, and in times of diarrhea or fever. Pocari Sweat has since become a unique global brand with a distribution presence in over 20 countries and production factories in six. Nigeria is the 21st market, the seventh production country, and the first in Africa.
This is in line the corporate philosophy of Otsuka Group, “Otsuka-people creating new products for better health worldwide” so the business intends to contribute to the wellness of Nigerians with Pocari Sweat
The factory, situated in Ogun State will be the first and only ION Supply Drink manufacturing plant in Nigeria and Africa and Mr. Bando was quick to emphasize the social and economic importance of the first of its kind factory, “We thank the government of Ogun State and other critical stakeholders for supporting us on this mission. This factory will be a Win-Win for everyone as we will generate at least 1,100 direct and indirect jobs and source 80% of our raw materials from here in Nigeria.”
“And there will be more because this factory alone will not be sufficient for our future needs, together with the people of Nigeria, we will establish more in Nigeria and other parts of Africa” He concluded.
The milestone event had in attendance, the Honourable Commissioner for Industry, Trade, and Investment in Ogun State, Mr. Adebola E. Sofela; the Special Adviser on Ogun Invest, Ms. Sola Arobieke; the Japanese Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Kazuyoshi Matsunaga; the Indonesian ambassador to Nigeria, Dr. Usra Hendra Harahap; the Asiwaju of Orile-Imo, High Chief Olakunle Olalekan; representatives of NAFDAC, the Nigeria Police, and other critical stakeholders.
Also speaking at the event, the Honourable Commissioner for Industry, Trade and Investment in Ogun state, Mr. Adebola E. Sofela stated that Ogun State Government has been deliberate in creating investments and economic clusters to attract businesses like ONNC. According to him, Otsuka Nigeria Nutraceuticals Company’s interest in establishing the factory in the state is a testament to the industrial initiatives of the present administration in creating an enabling environment for prospective investors. He promised Ogun state will not only make the environment to be conducive for investors like Otsuka Nigeria Nutraceuticals Company to do business but will also ensure that the businesses thrive.
POCARI SWEAT is non-carbonated, and has no preservative, coloring, or artificial flavors. It comes in three different pack sizes (500ml, 350ml 330ml) and is currently sold in modern trade outlets, pharmacies, fitness / sports centers and neighborhood stores in Lagos
For more information, visit pocarisweat.ng or call +234 7038205040
