As part of efforts to drive investment, innovation and expertise into Nigeria’s $1.2 billion beverage industry, Finwerd Flavours and Fragrances recently unveiled a beverage academy. 
 
Speaking at the unveiling of the Finwerd Beverage Academy in Lagos, Managing Director, Finwerd Flavours and Fragrances, West Africa, Steven Kabuito, said Nigeria and Africa hold immense potential to lead the future of beverage innovation, reaffirming their commitment to unlocking the full potential of the sector. He said that with the academy, they are not transferring expertise alone but also investing in local talents, sharing global best practices, and building lasting partnerships with market players.
   
Also speaking, Commercial Director, West Africa, Kingsley Udoakpan, said the beverage market is growing tremendously in West Africa because of its youthful population. 
 
According to him, youths are the driving force behind many companies in the beverage space, with the sector currently worth around $1.2 billion.  He commended the federal government for its support to local industries and urged better security for businesses to thrive.
 
On his part, former Director, Laboratory Services, NAFDAC, Charles Nwachukwu, tasked the academy to come up with fresh innovation as well as formulate and develop new products fit for human consumption. 
   
Encouraging more people to go into manufacturing and follow laid-down guidelines from NAFDAC and the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), he said this will reduce unscrupulous individuals from dominating the industry.