By Peter Duru, Makurdi

Makurdi – Sono Group has announced plans to expand the Bensono Concentrate Plant in Benue State from its current processing capacity of 40,000 metric tons to 100,000 metric tons, alongside the introduction of a new juice production line within the next six months.

The President and Chief Executive of PICAMA and Sono Group, Mr. Frank Runge, disclosed this during a business visit to Governor Hyacinth Alia in Makurdi, describing Benue as a strategic hub for agro-processing and food value addition.

Runge said the company would establish a new production line for Meigo drinks as part of its continued investment in the state’s agricultural sector.

“We are impressed by Benue’s enormous agricultural potential and remain committed to supporting the state’s industrial growth through expanded processing facilities,” he said.

According to him, the planned expansion is aimed at reducing post-harvest losses, increasing local processing capacity, and creating more opportunities for farmers and agribusinesses.

He noted that Sono Group has successfully executed similar food-processing projects in Ghana and Brazil, expressing confidence in the quality of juice already being produced in Benue.

Runge further explained that the group’s planned investment in Benval Limited would make the factory fully operational, boost productivity, strengthen the agro-industrial value chain, and stimulate economic growth through job creation and increased market opportunities.

Representing Governor Hyacinth Alia, the Deputy Governor, Mr. Sam Ode, reaffirmed the Benue State government’s commitment to providing a conducive environment for investors.

He said the administration had removed several bottlenecks that previously discouraged investment and highlighted the state’s improved investment profile.

“Our administration is committed to supporting investors. Benue has earned favourable investment ratings from Fitch and Augusto, making the state one of Nigeria’s most attractive destinations for business,” Ode said.

He commended Sono International for its partnership with the Benue Investment and Property Company (BIPC), which culminated in the establishment of the Bensono Concentrate Plant commissioned recently by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The deputy governor assured the investors of the government’s continued support, promising prompt intervention on any issues affecting their operations while reiterating the administration’s resolve to improve security across the state.

Earlier, the Group Managing Director of BIPC, Dr. Raymond Asemakaha, described Sono Group as the strategic partner behind the successful development of the Bensono Concentrate Plant.

He revealed that the investors had returned to Benue to establish another production line through investment in Benval Limited, a move expected to significantly increase the state’s juice processing capacity.

Asemakaha also disclosed that the Chairman of Bokku Supermart Chain, Christian Pantung, was part of the delegation to discuss off-taking products manufactured by the company, a development expected to provide a ready market for beverages produced by BIPC.

The delegation from Sono International included Frank Runge, Chairman of PICAMA Group and Sono International; Darren Jenkins, Chief Operating Officer of PICAMA Group; Nafisah Abubakar, Director and Company Secretary of Sono Nigeria; Luiz Arena, Chief Executive Officer of Sono International; Theophilus Tetteh, Chief Executive Officer of Sono Nigeria; Artem Bezukh, Analyst at Sono International; Christian Pantung, Chief Purchasing Officer of Atreos (Bokku Supermart Chain); and Adebayo Olujobi, Category Manager, Non-Alcoholic Beverages, Atreos (Bokku Supermart Chain).