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Netherlands, Nigeria relationship critical to business growth, says Upfield GM Amao

The General Manager West Africa of Upfield Foods, Mr Bamidele Amao, has restated the company’s commitment to remain responsible in conducting its business in Nigeria as the company continues to establish itself in the country. Upfield, the largest plant-based consumer products company in the world and the number one producer of plant-based spreads globally reaffirmed…

The General Manager West Africa of Upfield Foods, Mr Bamidele Amao, has restated the company’s commitment to remain responsible in conducting its business in Nigeria as the company continues to establish itself in the country.

Upfield, the largest plant-based consumer products company in the world and the number one producer of plant-based spreads globally reaffirmed its commitment to human and capital investment in Nigeria during Amao’s recent visit to the country.

Following a series of courtesy calls to stakeholders including the Netherlands Consul General, Amao stated that Upfield, which has its roots in the Netherlands, stands to gain significantly from diplomatic insights from the Netherlands Consulate General in Nigeria due to the long-standing strong relationship which exists between both countries.

“The Kingdom of Netherlands has enjoyed a very cordial relationship with the Federal Republic of Nigeria over the years which is evident in the various knowledge transfer programmes and vibrant bilateral trade relationship in areas of shared interest. I am confident that Upfield’s entry into Nigeria will further strengthen the relationship between both countries especially in the foods and agriculture value chain,” said Amao.

“We look forward to working closely with the Netherlands Consulate General in Nigeria to gain valuable insights that will ensure our operations in the country provide mutually beneficial results for Nigeria and the Netherlands in terms of trade, economic growth and sustainable development,” he said.

In his response, the Consul General of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to Nigeria, Mr Jan van Weijen expressed the willingness of his office to offer advisory and other support that will aid Upfield’s smooth operations in Nigeria while encouraging the company to operate within the guidelines of the laws of the land.

“Netherlands is currently the third-largest trading partner with Nigeria and one of our key roles is to support Dutch companies in building mutually beneficial business relationships within the country. The drive for vertical integration in Nigeria is especially important currently with a focus on increasing the local sourcing of raw materials for production. We are therefore pleased to support companies like Upfield that are committed to sustainable sourcing and production which will help build stronger bilateral ties with Nigeria,” he said.

Also speaking about the benefits of a mutually beneficial relationship between the countries, Upfield’s Head of Corporate Affairs and Communications for Africa, Motola Oyebanjo said, “The role of the Netherlands in supporting the economic development of Nigeria, and the Netherlands’ position as a leader in driving global investments cannot be overemphasized. There are prospects for further cooperation between both countries and Upfield is happy to be a part of the conversations to deepen this bilateral relationship from an investment, economic growth and sustainability standpoint”.

Other members of the Upfield visiting team include the Head of Operations for Africa, Asia and Australia, Gianluca Mormile, Chief Financial Officer West Africa, Eric Epee and the Head of Supply Chain West Africa, Aneto Okeke.

With headquarters in Amsterdam, Upfield sells its products in over 95 countries and has 17 manufacturing sites throughout the world. The Company employs over 3000 Associates globally.

Since 1871, Upfield’s product brands have been the authority in the spreads category which gives the Company unmatched experience, know-how and inspiration. The Company is the number one producer of plant-based spreads globally, with more than 100 brands, including iconic brands FLORA, RAMA, BLUE BAND, PROACTIV, BECEL, and COUNTRY CROCK.

Upfield’s purpose is to make people healthier and happier with delicious, plant-based nutritious products that are better for the planet. The Company is focused on leading in this new era focused on delivering healthier products that are great tasting and have superior quality and helps deliver a “Better Plant-based Future.”

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