By BusinessDay

Copyright businessday

Seven-UP Bottling Company(SBC) is one of the multinationals that have been operating in Nigeria since independence. In this interview with BusinessDay, SARI EL-KHALIL, MD/CEO, SBC, shares his experience on how 7UP has contributed to Nigeria’s prosperity from inception to date. Excepts:

Seven-Up Bottling Company Ltd. has been here since independence, and Nigeria will be 65 years old on October 1st. What would you say about your firm’s journey from independence to date?

Since Nigeria’s independence in 1960, Seven-Up Bottling Company (SBC) has grown alongside the nation as a trusted partner. For 65 years, we have refreshed generations of Nigerians with iconic beverages, becoming part of everyday life at home, at work and in moments of national pride. From our first plant in Ijora, we have expanded to nine state-of-the-art facilities across Nigeria, consistently delivering products that meet global standards while reflecting local tastes. This balance of quality, reliability and cultural relevance is what has made our brands truly Nigerian.

Our commitment goes beyond refreshment. Through initiatives like the Pepsi Football Academy, we have discovered and nurtured local football talent that went on to shine globally. In music and entertainment, our partnerships with leading artists and platforms have helped define Nigerian pop culture for decades. Legendary moments such as Lekki Sunsplash and our long-standing sponsorship of Big Brother Naija, AMVCA, Rhythm Unplugged, and the Lagos City Marathon are part of this cultural legacy.

We have also invested in education and leadership, notably through the Seven-Up Harvard Business School Scholarship, now in its second decade, supporting future Nigerian leaders to gain world-class knowledge.

As Nigeria turns 65, we celebrate both the nation’s journey and our own evolution into a key player in Nigerian manufacturing. What remains constant is our mission: to refresh and inspire a youthful lifestyle.

How do you handle your status as a multinational company in a developing country like Nigeria?

Operating as a multinational in Nigeria is both a responsibility and a privilege. For us, presence here is not just about business, it is about purpose and partnership. Our operations are designed to inspire people while improving lives, with sustainability, inclusivity, and trust at the heart of all we do.

Yes, Nigeria has its challenges, but it also has unmatched energy, resilience, and entrepreneurial spirit. We navigate the environment through innovation, cultural relevance, and deep community engagement. We see ourselves not only as a global brand but as a proudly Nigerian company, rooted in the people, passion, and possibilities of this country.

The soft drinks industry is characterised by strict regulations; how do you handle your relationship with the industry regulators? What are the regulations that you want the nation to revisit?

At SBC, we see regulators as partners in ensuring consumer safety, industry integrity, and national progress. Our relationship with agencies such as NAFDAC, SON, NESREA, FCCPC, and the Federal Ministry of Environment is built on transparency, collaboration, and shared responsibility. We proactively engage with regulators and industry associations, like MAN, NECA, AFBTE, and FBRA, ensuring compliance while also contributing technical expertise that helps shape forward-looking policies. Our belief is that collaboration between the private and public sectors is the surest path to a fair and globally competitive business environment in Nigeria.

Competition in the industry is very high. How prepared is your firm to handle disruptions?

Competition and disruption are constant features of the FMCG sector. Our readiness lies in our deep-rooted commitment to long-term value, innovation, and the refreshment of the Naija spirit. We focus on offering value to consumers, providing quality products, and ensuring that no matter the disruption, our consumers can always rely on us.

News of product adulteration emerges from time to time as unscrupulous individuals make products in the names of the leading brands in the country. How do you address this challenge?

At SBC, consumer safety and brand integrity are non-negotiable. We take the threat of product adulteration very seriously and have put in place robust quality control systems and secure packaging to help consumers easily identify original SBC products.

We also work closely with regulatory bodies, law enforcement agencies, and industry associations to detect and eliminate fake products from circulation. Additionally, we run awareness campaigns to educate the public on how to spot counterfeit goods and report suspicious activity.

Our goal is to protect our consumers, uphold the trust they place in us, and ensure that every bottle with the SBC name delivers the safety, quality, and refreshment they expect and deserve, and I am proud to note that on September 30, 2025, SBC was recognised by the Lagos State Consumer Protection Agency as a valuable stakeholder in advancing consumer protection in Lagos State.

Environmental challenges are some of the issues that define the soft drinks industry. How does Seven Up contribute to making the environment safe?

At SBC, we are resolute on impact, which includes how we care for the environment. This commitment is visible through several initiatives we have taken up, backed by great ideas and purposeful activities led by our team, to inspire better and quality living for all Nigerians.

Our environmental efforts are part of our broader impact vision, which touches areas such as community development, education, health, sports, arts, and entertainment, but also extends deeply into sustainability, circular economy, and climate action.

We have led environmental initiatives across the country, including:

Our “One Staff, One Tree” Project: In partnership with the Lekki Estates Residents & Stakeholders Association (LERSA) and the Eco-Restoration Foundation (ERF), SBC launched this ambitious initiative to plant 2,500 trees across Nigeria. This includes a donation of 1,000 trees to the “Lekki Million Trees” project to support reforestation and land restoration.
Our Green Skills School Challenge & Sustainability Week: SBC hosted a Sustainability Week and launched the Green Skills School Challenge, where students from 18 schools showcased innovative recycling and waste management projects. This initiative has empowered the next generation with practical skills in the circular economy, climate action, and responsible production.
Active Membership in the Food and Beverage Recycling Alliance (FBRA): As a founding member of the FBRA, SBC is observing Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) within Nigeria’s beverage sector, promoting waste reduction, recycling, and cleaner production processes.
Reduction of Plastic Footprint & Water Conservation: As outlined on our corporate website, we are committed to reducing plastic use, conserving water, and embedding sustainable practices into every part of our operations.
Introduction of recycled materials into our product packaging: 30% of the resins used to make our plastic bottles is made from recycled polyethylene terephthalate (rPET).
Carbon Emission Reduction: We practice energy sobriety and our energy mix is from renewable/low impact sources.

Through these efforts and more, since 2021 SBC has achieved a 25% increase in water use efficiency as well as a 34% reduction in C02 emissions, and SBC remains committed to making Nigeria safer, greener, and more sustainable for the future of our planet.

Naira float and subsidy removal affected a number of businesses in Nigeria. What measures did you introduce to minimise the effects of these policies without putting too much burden on the consumers?

Despite macroeconomic pressures, our promise to consumers has not changed. We continue to deliver quality beverages at affordable prices across all segments. By listening closely to consumer needs, rolling out value-driven campaigns, and offering a wide portfolio for different wallets, we ensure Nigerians can always access the brands they love.

Technological innovations such as Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, and others, have greatly influenced the corporate world all over the globe. How does your firm cope with these new challenges?

We see technological innovation not as a challenge, but as an opportunity to reimagine how we work, connect, and serve. The rise of Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, and other digital advancements has accelerated transformation across industries, and we are embracing this evolution with intention and purpose.

We are gradually integrating intelligent systems into various aspects of our operations, from data-driven supply chain optimisation and smart manufacturing to consumer insights and predictive analytics that help us stay ahead of market trends. These technologies allow us to enhance efficiency, reduce waste, and make faster, more informed decisions that ultimately benefit our consumers.

At the heart of this adoption is our culture of innovation, creating a hub where ideas, data, and technology converge to drive better outcomes for the Nigerian people. We invest in training and upskilling our workforce to ensure they are equipped for the digital future while also maintaining our human touch, because for us, people will always remain central to progress.

The year is running to an end, and traditionally, this is the time that consumers benefit from organizations such as yours. What should the Nigerian consumers expect from your firm this time around?

As we approach the end of the year, SBC remains committed to being a part of the moments that matter most to Nigerians. This is a special time for us, as it gives us the opportunity to connect more deeply with our consumers and deliver even more value through the brands they know and love.

Nigerians can expect a vibrant season filled with exciting brand activations and limited-edition experiences designed to bring refreshment, joy, and shared memories. Across our portfolio, from 7UP and Pepsi to Aquafina and Supa Komando, we are rolling out creative campaigns and seasonal offerings that reflect the energy, resilience, and spirit of the Nigerian people.

As always, we will continue to deliver the quality, taste, and consistency our consumers expect while finding fresh and innovative ways to reward, and appreciate them. This season, Nigerians can count on SBC to bring the extra spark to their year-end festivities, because for 65 years, we’ve been more than just a beverage company; we’ve been a part of the moments that make the season unforgettable.

What other information would you like to pass to your current and prospective consumers?

The Nigerian people have remained loyal, trusting us to provide refreshing beverages for 65 years, for which we are extremely grateful. As we continue to grow and evolve, our commitment remains the same. We are dedicated to delivering quality, innovation, and refreshment you can trust. You can expect more exciting products, more meaningful engagement, and more ways to enjoy the brands you love, whether it’s 7UP, Pepsi, Aquafina, Teem, Mirinda, or Supa Komando.