Competitors gain ground as Tetra Pak retreats from

By Sunday Ani

Preparations for this year’s Pro Pak West Africa exhibition in Lagos have been overshadowed by the absence of Tetra Pak, a long-time sponsor and exhibitor.

The global food packaging giant, which has consistently used the trade show to showcase its innovations, has not confirmed participation for the 2025 edition scheduled for September 9 to 11 in Lagos.

Sources disclosed that the company has opted out of the exhibition. The decision, according to industry watchers, raises fresh questions about the company’s commitment to Nigeria and the wider West African market.

For over a decade, the company maintained a strong presence at Pro Pak, displaying solutions in aseptic packaging, food safety and sustainability. This development follows another absence at the Lagos State Government’s N500 billion Agriculture Funding Initiative launch, an event that attracted major agribusiness and packaging firms.

Industry watchers suggest that the company may be grappling with deeper operational and leadership issues. Several employees, who preferred anonymity, cited low morale, client dissatisfaction and the management style under the current Managing Director which they described as disconnected from Nigeria’s business realities.

“Leadership has become detached,” one staff member said. “Local perspectives are ignored. Decisions come from the top without context, often enforced with threats.”

The current MD is said to lack an understanding of Nigeria’s complex market dynamics. His style has been unfavourably compared to that of his predecessor, Oshiokamele Aruna, who was widely praised for people-centred leadership, staff motivation and stronger client relations.

Reacting to the development, an official of Afrocet Montgomery, organisers of Pro Pak West Africa, confirmed that Tetra Pak would not be on the exhibitor list this year.

“While we would have loved to see them at Pro Pak 2025, the show remains the region’s biggest platform for packaging, plastics, printing and food-processing industries,” the official said. “We have over 250 exhibitors confirmed, and several local and international players are stepping up to showcase their capabilities.”

The company’s retreat is already opening opportunities for rivals. Local firms such as Nampak Nigeria, Avon Crowncaps and PrimePak Industries have reportedly gained clients by offering flexible pricing and faster delivery.

Nigeria’s packaging sector is valued at over $1.9 billion and is growing at nearly eight percent annually. Analysts warn that brands reducing visibility risk losing market share in a competitive environment shaped by cost efficiency, innovation and consumer demand.

“Tetra Pak’s sustainability record, including its carton recycling partnership with WeCyclers, is commendable,” a Lagos-based analyst noted. “But market relevance goes beyond advocacy. Without stronger local engagement, the company risks falling behind.”