Funtainment as Wande Coal, Hermes Iyele thrill guests at Maltina unveiling

The Balmoral Convention Centre Ikeja was on Friday, November 6, beehive with a full-blown celebration as iconic malt drink Maltina, unveiled its new look to trade partners, distributors, consumers and friends of the brand — marking 50 years of nourishing Nigerian homes.

It was not just a pack change; it was a party as the unveiling was brought to life through a creative performance by Hermes Iyele, combining poetry, dance and music around the theme of rebirth, followed by a celebratory toast led by Nigerian Breweries executives.

A dance group thrilled the crowd with energetic routines before music star Wande Coal took the stage to do what he does best. With DJ Brightstar on the turntable, churning out popular hits and lively mixes from the superstar’s classic catalogue that resonated with the guest, they were kept on their feets.

First introduced as Maltona in 1976 and renamed Maltina in 1977, the malt drink has stayed in Nigerian homes for over five decades with its story built on nourishment — multivitamin enrichment in 1993, calcium fortification in 2009 — and on people, through Maltina Nourishment Tour, Maltina Dance All, Maltina Teacher of the Year, and its Christmas and Ramadan festive campaigns. That history was everywhere in the room.

Now with a new look, but the same nourishing taste, the refreshed pack comes with an enriched signature orange, gold accents and barley elements that reinforce it malt credentials.

Speaking at the event, the Marketing Director, Nigerian Breweries Plc., Sarah Agha, reflected on the journey and the thinking behind the refreshed identity. She highlighted malt drink’s longstanding commitment to nourishment and happiness, noting that the new look represents a more contemporary and confident expression of the brand as it prepares for its next chapter.

She reassured consumers that while the visual identity has evolved, the familiar taste and nutritional credentials remain unchanged. “This is not just about refreshing our identity; it is about reaffirming our commitment to nourishment and to families across Nigeria,” Agha said.

“Our new look makes these commitments even more visible. While our identity has evolved to welcome a new chapter, our taste and nutritional credentials remain unchanged. It is still New Look, Same Nourishing Taste,” she added.

In his welcome address, the Managing Director of company, Thibaut Boidin, celebrated the malt brand’s remarkable journey and acknowledged the consumers, partners and distributors whose support has contributed to the brand’s growth.

He also reiterated the company’s commitment to social impact, announcing plans to support the education of children from underserved communities in the coming year.

Portfolio Manager, Non-Alcoholic Brands, Nigerian Breweries Plc., Elohor Olumide-Awe, and Daniella Ogunsanya, Senior Brand Manager, Maltina, also shared perspectives on the refreshed identity and its next chapter.

Elohor introduced the “What’s Your Word” campaign, which invites consumers to engage with Maltina’s new look by expressing their impressions in ONE word. She enjoined consumers join the conversation by visiting http://Maltina.nbplc.com and submit ONE word that describes the refreshed identity.

Beyond the speeches, the event also featured interactive games including Nourishment Darts, Maltina Dance Hall and B-Quick, where guests tested their skills, explored Maltina’s nutritional benefits and competed for prizes.

Peace, Modesinuola and Alexa emerged as the top three participants and received gifts. The overall winner went home with the night’s biggest prize — an exclusive five-day, all-expenses-paid stay at Eko Hotel.