7up Bottling Company
About Company
Overview
The 7up Bottling Company Ltd (often stylized as 7Up Bottling Company) is one of Nigeria’s largest and longest-standing manufacturing companies, specializing in the production and distribution of popular soft drinks and bottled water. Headquartered in Lagos, it plays a significant role in the country’s beverage industry, employing thousands and contributing to economic growth through job creation and partnerships with local suppliers.
As of 2025, it remains a privately held entity, focusing on refreshing beverages that align with its mission to “elevate the beverage industry in Nigeria with a focus on refreshing the well-being and dreams of Nigerians.”
History
Founded in 1959 by Lebanese entrepreneur Mohammed El-Khalil—who had earlier established a successful transport business in Nigeria—the company began operations on October 1, 1960, with its first product: 7Up. The initial factory was located in Ijora, Lagos, targeting markets in Mid-Western and Western Nigeria. To compete with rivals like the Nigerian Bottling Company (Coca-Cola’s franchisee), it innovated with branded kiosks for retailers. In the 1970s, following Nigeria’s indigenization decree, the El-Khalil family divested from transport to focus on bottling.
The 1990s marked expansion when PepsiCo acquired 7Up International, allowing Seven-Up to introduce Pepsi and other brands. Originally public on the Nigerian Stock Exchange, it became privately owned after a family buyout of outstanding shares. Today, it stands as a key player in Nigeria’s soft drink sector, which is dominated by a few multinationals.
Products
Seven-Up Bottling Company manufactures and distributes a diverse portfolio of globally recognized brands under license from PepsiCo, alongside its own lines. Key offerings include:
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Category
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Brands
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Carbonated Soft Drinks
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Pepsi, 7Up, Mirinda (orange and other flavors), Teem (lemon-lime), Mountain Dew
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Energy Drinks
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Supa Komando
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Iced Tea
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Lipton Ice Tea
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Bottled Water
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Aquafina (premium drinking water), H2oH!
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These products are widely available across Nigeria, emphasizing refreshment and quality.
Operations
The company operates nine state-of-the-art bottling plants strategically distributed nationwide, including locations in Lagos (Ijora and Ikeja), Ibadan, and others in regions like Oyo and beyond. This network ensures efficient production and distribution to urban centers like Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt. With around 3,500 employees, it supports local economies by sourcing from Nigerian suppliers and investing in modern facilities.
Notable Initiatives and Impact
Seven-Up has a legacy of community engagement, including promotional campaigns (e.g., crown-cork lotteries for prizes like cars and cash, though these faced occasional criticism for low win odds) and sports sponsorships. Educationally, it funds the 7Up Harvard Business School Scholarship to nurture future Nigerian leaders.
In 2024, it hosted the SME Scale Up 1.0 Boot Camp in partnership with Zenith Bank and UNIDO, empowering small businesses. Recent leadership insights from Managing Director Ziad Maalouf highlight a commitment to innovation amid Nigeria’s dynamic market.For more details, visit their official site at sevenup.org or contact them at 247 Moshood Abiola Way, Ijora, Lagos, Nigeria (info@sevenup.org | +234 805 690 0900).