Grand Oak Limited, leading marketer and exporter of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages treated a key group of its stakeholders, the company’s distributors to a full day of fun, capacity development and team bonding, at its annual distributors conference, on Tuesday, July 27, 2022, at the prestigious Lagos Marriott Hotel, Ikeja.
The annual conference, which brought together distributors from across different regions in the country, was part of its activities to appreciate distributors for their cooperation and contribution to the successes witnessed in the previous financial year, as well as engage on new sales objectives and activities planned for the year, while it reiterated its commitment to deliver products of the highest quality to distributors.
In his welcome address, the Group Executive Director, Mr. Adekunle Rosiji, recognised the support of the GOL distributors, as well as the Sales and Marketing team of the company. While reiterating the company’s dedication to growing with its distributors in Nigeria and strengthening their sales network, he said, “Our distributors have been instrumental to our success as a company. This event is always an opportunity to celebrate loyalty, tenacity, resilience, in an ambient environment. Most importantly, it allows us to share knowledge about the market and navigate its challenges, as we reveal plans for the realization of our collective objectives. Upon the conclusion of this conference, I am confident that our team and partners would work progressively to deliver a successful financial year.”
Unveiling the theme of the 2022 conference tagged, “Be the Grand Oak”, the Executive Director, Operations and Finance, Mr. Wale Majolagbe called on distributors to embody the attributes of the grand oak tree in their respective businesses, which will guarantee business longevity and continuity. “Just like the Oak tree has inspired and governed our operations since founding, it is our hope that our distributors will aspire to these same ideals across their respective businesses. This is sure to guarantee, not just success, but continuity, expansion and longevity – as we have enjoyed at Grand Oak Limited. We are happy to have achieved our goals with them so far; we can only hope for more cooperation. The joy for us is growing together and expanding revenue opportunities for both parties. 2022 will definitely be a defining year for all.”
Director of Marketing and Innovation, Mr. Obi Ike described the relationship between the company and distributors as friendly and mutually beneficial. “Our distributors are the best. We meet with them, talk to them, and listen to them about our business and insights for growth. During our discussions, we deliberate the requirements for transitioning their businesses into gross revenue-generating models. Through these discussions, we build trust in Grand Oak Limited; ensure our distributors can achieve greater sales results; and establish lifelong partnerships.” He further elaborated on the unique features of the Oak tree and its significance to the organization and its distributors, charging all to live by its unique attributes – resilience, versatility, purpose, wisdom, unity and honour, which have governed Grand Oak Limited’s operations and shaped its culture over the years.
During this year’s conference, key activities included a review of the past year, a grand unveil of the award categories for 2021 performance, recognition of key performers from the previous year, by region, knowledge-sharing sessions, feedback sessions and a host of other brand-focused activities.
A key distributor, Chief Mrs Morenike A. Williams of Mokeb Ventures, Lagos, grateful for Grand Oak Limited’s leadership team and the company’s support, said doing business with the company assures her of moving sales and profit. “Grand Oak Limited is a company that has existed for a long time, and this makes it a trusted brand for all our customers. People always want to buy the GOL products. For me, Seaman’s Schnapps and Lord’s Gin are fast-moving goods in my business. I will continue to do business with the company because they support me and others like me in numerous ways.”
The conference came to a celebratory close with a gala and awards night where top regional distributors who generously contributed to sales success were recognized and rewarded.
National Sales Manager, Mr. Olubusuyi Olofin, said, “We owe a lot to our regional distributors who have been strong pillars of support, complementing our sales efforts. During the pandemic, the industry was tested. Our distributors stayed strong, giving us more reason to keep at what we do – pouring brilliant African spirits into the world. They continued to promote the brand organically and broaden penetration of our products in their various regions. We are glad we can bring them together under such a blissful and relaxing atmosphere to celebrate them. We will continue to work with our distributors to achieve their goals alongside our company’s objectives. We look forward to rolling out these plans in the nearest future with their continued cooperation.”
For decades, Grand Oak Limited has been a great supporter of its distributors, supporting these stakeholders and also harmonising the company’s own sales strategies and marketing activities to increase retail network sales.
