On Tuesday, Bell Bottling Company presented a certificate of recognition and the drinks the company is producing to Hon. Baboucarr O. Joof, the minister of Trade, Industry, Reginal Integration and Employment (MOTIE) at the Ministry in Banjul.
Bell Bottling Company is a Gambian beverage producer, known for producing locally crafted and globally inspired drinks, including their first-ever canned soft drinks, and is located in Bonto village, Kombo East District, is making strides in the nation’s industrialisation journey.
In receiving the certificate, Hon. Baboucarr O. Joof, the minister of Trade, Industry, Reginal Integration and Employment said that this visit to the ministry marks a significant milestone noting that the president, His Excellency Mr. Adama Barrow visited the bottling company during his first industrial tour.
“We have eagerly anticipated this day,” he said, noting that it serves as a testament to The Gambia’s progress on the path to industrialisation, a journey they hope to see replicated across various sectors. According to him, this pivotal moment opens up exciting opportunities for export, positioning them to share Gambian products with broader markets.
Minister Joof encouraged them to also explore the production of local juices, such as baobab, and bottle them similarly to their existing offerings, such as Wanjo. “Imagine the potential of having Wanjo available in a convenient can,” he said.
Furthermore, he urged them to collaborate closely with the Ministry of Trade and the Ministry of Agriculture to foster innovation and ensure the successful development of their local beverage industry.
On behalf of the owners, management, and staff of Bell Bottling Company, Mr. Darboe expressed their heartfelt gratitude for the Ministry unwavering support and dedication to fostering industrial growth, job creation, and economic stability in The Gambia.
“In recognition of your outstanding efforts, we are pleased to present you with this Certificate of Recognition. Your commitment to establishing a robust beverage industry in The Gambia has been instrumental in our journey toward becoming fully operational. For the first time, we are proud to announce that canned drinks are now being produced locally,” he told Minister Joof and the officials of the Ministry, while extending their sincere congratulations to the ministry for the remarkable achievements.
According to him, their support has been vital in enabling them to scale their production capacity to serve the entire Gambian market.
