Chi Ltd

In 1980, a company named Chi Limited was founded in Lagos, Nigeria. While one source attributes the founding to the Tolaram Group and another to a group of investors led by Nnamdi Nwosu, the vision was clear: to produce high-quality, locally sourced consumer goods. The company didn't start with its own brands, but instead began by franchising Capri-Sonne fruit drinks in 1982. A pivotal moment came in 1997 when Chi Limited launched its own juice brand, Chivita, which would become a household name in Nigeria. This was followed by a strategic expansion into value-added dairy with the Hollandia brand. The company focused on innovation, introducing products like long-shelf-life yogurt and evaporated milk in aseptic packaging, which were firsts for the Nigerian market. By 2016, Chi had become a dominant force in West Africa's beverage market, which caught the attention of a global giant. The Coca-Cola Company acquired a 40% stake in the company from the holding company Tropical General Investments Group. This was not just a simple investment; it was the first step in a planned takeover. In 2019, Coca-Cola completed the deal, acquiring full ownership of Chi Limited. The acquisition was a strategic move for Coca-Cola to expand its portfolio into the rapidly growing juice and dairy categories in Africa, leveraging Chi's established brands and distribution network to further its reach across the continent.