Rite Foods targets beverage market growth with LIDA Malt

Rite Foods Limited has introduced LIDA Malt Classic, a new non-alcoholic malt beverage, as the company intensifies efforts to expand its product portfolio and strengthen its presence in Nigeria’s competitive food and beverage market.

The product launch reflects the company’s strategy of developing locally manufactured offerings that cater to changing consumer preferences while promoting Nigerian-made brands.

LIDA Malt Classic, introduced under the proposition “LIDA Malt. Made for You,” was unveiled to media representatives and content creators during an immersion programme at Rite Foods’ manufacturing facility in Ososa, Ijebu Ode, Ogun State, on October 15, 2026.

The programme provided participants with insights into the product, manufacturing processes, technology and operational capabilities supporting the company’s growing portfolio.

Ekuma Eze, Head of Corporate Affairs and Sustainability at Rite Foods, said the launch demonstrated the company’s commitment to product innovation and delivering quality beverages tailored to the Nigerian market.

He explained that LIDA Malt was designed for different consumption occasions, including meals, social gatherings and relaxation.

Currently available in its Classic variant and packaged in polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles, the beverage adds another option to Nigeria’s competitive malt drink segment.

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Seleem Adegunwa, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Rite Foods, said the introduction reflected the company’s determination to respond to evolving consumer expectations through innovation and portfolio development.

According to him, the company continues to explore opportunities to deliver products that combine quality, consumer relevance and distinctive brand propositions.

Toyin Nnodi, Head of Marketing at Rite Foods, said consumer preferences and everyday experiences informed the development of LIDA Malt Classic.

“LIDA Malt was developed with the consumer in mind. We understand that people want quality products that fit their preferences and everyday routines. With LIDA Malt Classic, we are introducing an offering built around that understanding. Our ‘Made for You’ proposition reflects our commitment to keeping consumers at the heart of what we do,” Nnodi said.

She added that the product launch reinforced the company’s focus on translating insights into relevant offerings for the Nigerian market.

LIDA Malt joins Rite Foods’ existing beverage portfolio, which includes Bigi Carbonated Soft Drinks, available in 13 variants; Bigi Premium Drinking Water; Sosa Fruit Drink, with five variants; and Fearless Energy Drink.

The company also manufactures processed meat products, including Rite Spicy Beef, Bigi Beef and Bigi Flex Sausages, extending its operations beyond beverages.

The expanding portfolio reflects Rite Foods’ strategy of serving multiple consumer segments while supporting domestic manufacturing and increasing the availability of Nigerian-made consumer goods.

The company’s expansion is supported by automated manufacturing infrastructure and investments in operational efficiency and sustainability.

During the factory tour, Eze highlighted energy management as an important component of the company’s long-term business strategy, particularly in balancing productivity, environmental considerations and business continuity.

“Our approach recognises the realities of industrial operations in Nigeria while deliberately pursuing cleaner, more efficient and more resilient energy solutions that support sustainability, productivity and business continuity,” he said.

According to Eze, approximately 95 per cent of Rite Foods’ energy consumption comes from natural gas and solar power, while diesel accounts for the remaining five per cent.

The company said its continued investment in manufacturing technology, energy efficiency and product development would support its efforts to expand its portfolio and strengthen its position in Nigeria’s consumer goods industry.