Guala Closures opens new facility in Nigeria to supply anti-counterfeiting closures across West Africa

NIGERIA – Guala Closures, a global manufacturer of closures for spirits, wines, non-alcoholic beverages, beer, edible oil, and condiments, has inaugurated its new greenfield manufacturing facility at the Lagos Free Zone, Nigeria. 

The facility marks the company’s latest investment in the African continent, aiming to supply advanced anti-counterfeiting closures across West Africa’s rapidly growing spirits and beverage markets.

The inauguration event was attended by Ugo Boni, Consul General of Italy in Lagos, Adesuwa Ladoja, CEO of Lagos Free Zone, Andrea Lodetti, CEO of Guala Closures, and other senior executives of the group.

The Nigerian plant, covering nearly 5,000 square meters, was constructed within a record 22 weeks and reached operational start-up by the end of 2024. 

It will support regional businesses and global brands by providing closure solutions tailored to local needs, with a focus on enhancing product safety and brand integrity in a market increasingly concerned about counterfeit beverages.

Demand for safer solutions

Nigeria’s beverage industry, among the fastest-growing in Sub-Saharan Africa, continues to expand due to a burgeoning middle class, rising disposable incomes, and growing demand for premium products. 

According to the German Mechanical Engineering Industry Association (VDMA), Nigeria was the largest consumer of soft drinks in Sub-Saharan Africa in 2024, recording over 53 billion litres consumed.

However, the growth in consumption has been accompanied by increasing safety concerns. In 2021, a beverage contamination incident in Kano State led to the deaths of at least 10 people and caused severe kidney damage in over 50 others after the consumption of substandard juices. 

In 2023, Ogun State faced another tragedy when contaminated alcoholic drinks resulted in eight deaths and left 11 critically ill.

Regulatory authorities such as the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) have intensified enforcement actions, including the seizure and destruction of counterfeit drinks valued at approximately US$467,400 (₦750 million) in the South-East region, alongside multiple arrests.

In this environment, demand for closures offering stronger anti-counterfeiting features has risen sharply. 

Guala Closures’ new plant is expected to play a key role in providing such solutions, supporting both local and international beverage producers operating in West Africa.

Deepened African presence

The company’s expansion into Nigeria follows its established operations in Kenya and South Africa. In South Africa, Guala Closures recently strengthened its footprint by acquiring the Johannesburg-based plant formerly owned by Astir Vitogiannis.

“Our global presence and in-depth knowledge of local markets allow us to stay close to our customers, addressing their specific needs in every region of the world with customized solutions and outstanding service,” Speaking at the inauguration, Andrea Lodetti, CEO of Guala Closures, stated.

Lodetti highlighted that, by investing in local production, the company aims to enhance protection against counterfeiting while supporting the growth of partner brands across West Africa.

Facility to boost economic development

The Lagos facility is expected to create substantial employment opportunities within the local community over the coming years as it undergoes further expansion.

“We are delighted that Guala Closures, one of our most prestigious international clients, has decided to expand their operations in Nigeria through our ready-to-lease Standard Industrial Facility at the Lagos Free Zone,” Adesuwa Ladoja, Managing Director and CEO of Lagos Free Zone, welcomed Guala Closures to the zone. 

“We are committed to supporting their next phase of growth in Nigeria and West Africa.”

The Lagos Free Zone offers strategic advantages for manufacturers, including streamlined logistics, improved market access, and supportive infrastructure for export-oriented industries.

Global recognition for supply chain excellence

While expanding its African operations, Guala Closures also recorded achievements elsewhere. 

The company’s North American division received the Supplier Excellence Award from Jose Cuervo and Proximo Spirits at the 2025 Proximo Supplier Event.

With a perfect 100% supply scorecard for 2024, Guala Closures was the only closure supplier to receive this recognition, underscoring its operational reliability and quality service across its global network.

Guala Closures operates 37 production plants and 7 research and development centers worldwide, serving a diverse customer base with a range of closure solutions designed to meet market-specific needs.