) Santuscom Foods Ltd has commenced the export of its processed agricultural products to the United Kingdom, marking its entry into the international market.
The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the company, Mr Paul Ofana, made this known in a statement on Thursday.
He said the products were first introduced in England before distribution was extended to Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.
According to him, the products are now available in major departmental stores across the UK.
The exported products include Ogoja Yam Poundo, Ogoja Garri, Ogoja Plantain Flour, Ogoja Palm Oil and Santuscom Honey Beans.
Ofana said the development reflected the company’s commitment to expanding the reach of Nigerian agricultural products in global markets.
He added that the products were processed and packaged to meet international standards.
“The reception in the UK has been encouraging, particularly for our unripe plantain flour, which has attracted considerable interest among health-conscious consumers.
“At Dulwich Hospital in South East London, our unripe plantain flour is already in high demand.
“It is particularly sought after by elderly people and others managing high blood pressure, diabetes, gastrointestinal disorders, indigestion and weight management,” he said.
Ofana said the company would continue to maintain quality standards while expanding access to Nigerian food products in international markets.
He said the export supported efforts to promote value addition in agriculture and increase Nigeria’s non-oil exports.
According to him, growing demand for locally processed food products would create opportunities for farmers, processors, transporters and other participants in the agricultural value chain.
He called for improved access to finance, efficient transport infrastructure, faster product certification and export-friendly policies to support indigenous exporters.
Ofana also said the African Continental Free Trade Area offered opportunities for further expansion into African markets.
He expressed optimism that the UK market would serve as a springboard for future expansion into Europe and North America. (NAN)
