Rite Foods launches LIDA Malt to expand beverage portfolio

By Adebola Muili

Rite Foods Limited has launched LIDA Malt Classic, a non-alcoholic malt beverage, as part of efforts to expand its product portfolio and strengthen its presence in Nigeria’s competitive beverage market.

The product was unveiled during a media immersion programme at the company’s manufacturing facility in Ososa, Ijebu Ode, Ogun State, on Thursday, October 15, 2026.

The company’s Head of Corporate Affairs and Sustainability, Ekuma Eze, said the introduction of the beverage reflected its commitment to product innovation, quality and meeting changing consumer preferences.

Eze said the new product would complement the company’s existing portfolio, which includes Bigi Carbonated Soft Drinks, Bigi Premium Drinking Water, Sosa Fruit Drink and Fearless Energy Drink.

“Product innovation requires us to understand the market, respond to consumer preferences and continually explore opportunities to expand our offerings. With LIDA Malt, we are extending our beverage portfolio into another category while maintaining our focus on quality, consumer relevance and locally manufactured products,” he said.

The new beverage, currently available in its Classic variant and packaged in polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles, is marketed under the slogan, “LIDA Malt. Made for You.”

The company’s Head of Marketing, Toyin Nnodi, said the brand was developed to reflect consumers’ preferences, routines and expectations.

“LIDA Malt was developed with the consumer in mind. We recognise that people make choices based on their preferences, routines and expectations of the products they consume. With LIDA Malt Classic, we are introducing an offering built around that understanding,” she said.

Nnodi added that the company aimed to provide consumers with another quality beverage option suitable for different occasions, including meals, social gatherings and personal refreshment.

Beyond the product launch, the company highlighted its manufacturing capacity and sustainability initiatives during the factory tour.

Eze disclosed that natural gas and solar power accounted for approximately 95 per cent of the company’s energy consumption, while diesel supplied the remaining five per cent.

He said the company was exploring cleaner and more efficient energy solutions to improve productivity, sustainability and business continuity.

“Our approach recognises the realities of industrial operations in Nigeria while deliberately pursuing cleaner, more efficient and more resilient energy solutions that support productivity and business continuity,” he said.

The company also highlighted its Waste-Is-Naira initiative, implemented in partnership with RecyclePoints, which encourages plastic-waste recovery by linking recycling with economic value.

Its brand engagement activities include Bigi’s Soundcity OnTour campus activation and Fearless Energy Drink’s participation in Felabration, through which it connects with consumers through music, entertainment and youth culture.

In addition to its beverage products, Rite Foods manufactures Rite Spicy Beef, Bigi Beef and Bigi Flex Sausages, extending its operations across several food and beverage categories.

The launch of LIDA Malt Classic marks another addition to the company’s locally manufactured products as it seeks to broaden consumer choice and strengthen its competitiveness in Nigeria’s beverage industry.