10th May, 2017
The La Casera Company Plc, makers of Nigeria’s leading apple carbonated soft drink has launched a fresh new look for its flagship brand, La Casera Apple Drink, adding more natural apple juice extract to the premium apple drink, which makes it the only Apple CSD with real apple juice extract in Nigeria.
The event, which took place at the prestigious Oriental Hotel in Lagos received several commendations from NAFDAC, SON, MAN, dealers and other relevant stakeholders that were present at the event.
Speaking during the epic event, Mr. Roland Ebelt, Managing Director, The La Casera Company Plc. (TLCC), said the launch of the repackaged La Casera Apple Drink is a display of the company’s forward-thinking prowess and commitment to consumers’ satisfaction.
He stressed that La Casera Apple Drink has remained the leader in the apple CSD segment for the past 16 years of existence and the company is committed to ensuring the brand maintains its leadership position, while offering consumers a superior and original apple drink with more juice offering.
“La Casera Apple drink now wears a fresh new colourful and attractive look with real apple fruit indicating an increase in real apple juice content in each bottle, thereby giving consumers more taste of real apple bite.
”The repackaged La Casera Apple drink still comes in a 50cl bottle but with more apple juice that will satisfy consumers’ taste and desire for a premium apple CSD brand that is affordable and available on the go.
”We have taken our time through research and a rigorous product development process to come up with a rejuvenated La Casera Apple Drink that is next to none” he explained.
While delivering the welcome address, the Marketing Manager, The La Casera Company Plc. (TLCC), Mr. Bello Yusuf explained that the Nigerian CSD market commands a unique hold in the beverage sector of the economy with an estimated 49% of soft drinks volume sales and with the fresh new look of La Casera Apple drink, the company is set to make greater inroad into the market, as it now comes with more apple juice, combined with a refreshing and realapple taste.
“Sixteen years down the line, the dynamics of the CSD market are not the same. Today, we have come to witness the rebirth of our flagship brand La Casera Apple Drink. So with the unveiling of the fresh new look of our flagship brand La Casera Apple drink, we are appreciating our teeming Consumers who have been supporting the brand for over 16 years.
”We thank these loyal consumers because without them we would not have achieved anything. The brand will continue doing its best to offer Nigerians the best apple drink in Sub Saharan African.” Bello said.
While commending the management of TLCC for a job well done after tasting the new La Casera, Kenneth Azikiwe, representative of the Director General of NAFDAC, said the product has gone through the rigorous processes and has been found to be of high quality and good for consumers.
“On behalf of my DG, I thank the management of La Casera for coming up with an improved product with more apple juice, which shows commitment to consumers; NAFDAC number is attached to the label and I want every Nigerian to drink this product comfortably because NAFDAC has a stamp on it, it is NAFDAC approved”, he explained.
Mrs. Emordi Helen, representative of the Director General, SON, also said the product is safe and of quality standard.
“SON has ensured that the product conforms with the highest standard required”, she stated.
In the same vein, a Director at MAN, Joseph Emoleke, commended the company for the innovative product. He called for more innovative products to make the industry thrive.
“La Casera is one of those companies that are so dear to us and we know you will continue to excel. On behalf of the President, DG, and the National Council of MAN, we felicitate with you. We know you will continue to improve your quality. We are solidly behind you”, Emoleke said.
In her vote of thanks, The Senior Brand Manager, La Casera Apple Drink, Mrs. Ruth Ode expressed appreciation to the management of the company, the national and state regulatory agencies, dealers and the press for their support for gracing the event.
“This would not have been possible without the dedication of the people involved in every aspect of creating, producing, selling, and consuming of La Casera Apple drink and even the media for being there for us.” She said.
The La Casera Company Plc. gained entrance into the Nigerian CSD market in 2001 with the introduction of a flagship brand, La Casera Apple drink in PET bottle and has since been setting the pace for excellence and quality.