By Esther Onyegbula
A new premium ready-to-drink non-alcoholic beverage, Ikoyi Chapmans, is set to enter the Nigerian market ahead of a planned expansion across Africa following the formal unveiling of a strategic partnership between its promoters and CAADES Group.
The partnership was formalised on Saturday during a trade and investment agreement signing ceremony held at the headquarters of CAADES Group in Lekki, Lagos, where business leaders, investors, industry stakeholders and members of the media gathered to witness the launch of the venture.
Speaking at the ceremony, Chairman of CAADES Group and strategic partner in the project, Dr. Chima Anyaso, said the initiative marked the culmination of several years of planning aimed at transforming one of Nigeria’s most iconic beverages into a globally recognised consumer brand.
According to him, the partnership is designed not only to commercialise the beverage but also to promote Nigerian culture while building a world-class African brand.
“The partnership represents the culmination of years of planning aimed at transforming one of Nigeria’s most iconic beverages into a globally recognised consumer brand,” he said.
Dr. Anyaso commended the vision of Mike Robinson and Garry Robinson, British entrepreneurs who were born and partly raised in Nigeria, noting that their childhood experiences inspired the creation of the beverage.
He said the brothers developed a lifelong appreciation for the traditional Nigerian Chapman, describing the product as an iconic drink that deserved global recognition.
“Our vision is to make Ikoyi Chapmans a household name across Africa by offering consumers a refreshing beverage that evokes cherished memories while celebrating the richness of the Nigerian experience,” he said.
“Although Mike and Garry Robinson are British by nationality, they remain Nigerians at heart. Together, we are committed to reshaping Africa’s beverage industry through innovation, quality and strategic partnerships.”
Explaining the inspiration behind the brand, Mike Robinson said nostalgia and a desire to preserve one of Nigeria’s unique beverage traditions motivated the project.
“Our parents had a wonderful experience living in Nigeria, and as children growing up here, Chapman became one of those unforgettable drinks that stayed with us throughout our lives,” he said.
“It was always our dream to produce it commercially. After leaving school, Garry and I became professional squash players, but the ambition to bring this remarkable drink to a wider audience never left us.
“We approached several beverage companies over the years, but many were interested only in energy drinks or conventional fruit drinks. We were offering something completely different, a drink with a unique flavour profile and heritage.”
Following years of product development, the Robinson brothers secured a manufacturing partnership and launched the beverage under the Ikoyi Chapmans brand.
The company said the product is already available in selected bars and hospitality outlets in the United Kingdom, with plans for widespread retail distribution across Nigeria before expanding into other African markets.
Also speaking, Dr. Efosa Ogbeide, a core partner in the project, disclosed that the company had concluded plans for a comprehensive pan-African distribution strategy.
He said the beverage would become available in supermarkets, retail outlets, hospitality establishments and neighbourhood stores across Nigeria within weeks, while phased expansion into key African markets would follow.
According to him, preparations are also underway for a nationwide consumer launch featuring product activations, experiential marketing campaigns, signature serving rituals and innovative cocktail recipes to showcase the versatility of the beverage.
Dr. Ogbeide added that additional product variants and stock-keeping units, SKUs, are already under development to meet the preferences of different consumer segments across Africa.
“Chapman has remained a household name in Nigeria for decades. Ikoyi Chapmans will redefine how consumers enjoy this iconic beverage by delivering a premium ready-to-drink experience suitable for multiple consumption occasions, whether enjoyed on its own or as the perfect base for cocktails,” he said.
The promoters said the story of Ikoyi Chapmans traces its roots to the late 1960s at the prestigious Ikoyi Club in Lagos, where the original Chapman was first created by a bartender.
According to the company, the beverage is a premium sparkling citrus-flavoured drink blended with natural bitters to deliver the distinctive taste associated with Nigeria’s iconic Chapman.
It added that the product is produced without artificial colours or preservatives, is gluten-free, vegan-friendly and suitable for consumption on its own or as a base for a variety of cocktails.
