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A new partnership has been signed to introduce Ikoyi Chapmans to the Nigerian market, with plans for expansion into other African countries.
The agreement was formalised during a trade and investment signing ceremony held on Saturday at the headquarters of CAADES Group in Lekki, Lagos.
Speaking at the event, Chairman of CAADES Group, Chima Anyaso, said the project had been in development for several years before reaching its current stage.
According to him, the partnership is aimed at commercialising a ready-to-drink version of Nigeria’s popular Chapman beverage.
The brand was developed by British entrepreneurs Mike Robinson and Garry Robinson, who spent part of their childhood in Nigeria.
“Our parents had a wonderful experience living in Nigeria, and as children growing up here, Chapman became one of those unforgettable drinks that stayed with us throughout our lives.
“It was always our dream to produce it commercially. After leaving school, Garry and I became professional squash players, but the ambition to bring this remarkable drink to a wider audience never left us.
“We approached several beverage companies over the years, but many were interested only in energy drinks or conventional fruit drinks. We were offering something completely different—a drink with a unique flavour profile and heritage.”
Following years of product development, the Robinson brothers secured a manufacturing partnership and launched the brand under the name Ikoyi Chapmans.
The beverage is currently available in selected hospitality outlets in the United Kingdom, while retail distribution plans are being developed for Nigeria and other African markets.
Also speaking at the event, Efosa Ogbeide said a distribution strategy had been prepared to make the product available in supermarkets, retail outlets, hospitality establishments and neighbourhood stores across Nigeria.
He added that expansion into other African markets would be carried out in phases.
“Chapman has remained a household name in Nigeria for decades. Ikoyi Chapmans will redefine how consumers enjoy this iconic beverage by delivering a premium ready-to-drink experience suitable for multiple consumption occasions, whether enjoyed on its own or as the perfect base for cocktails.”
The company said additional product variants are under development to cater to different consumer segments across the continent.
The Chapman drink was originally created in the late 1960s at the Ikoyi Club in Lagos.
