Opinion: Brands To Watch Out In Nigeria In 2014

As 2014 begins, many companies are making plans to hit the ground running. While some companies' major goal is to build on their success of 2013 or maintain their market strength, others are beefing up strategic approach to compete with major players in their industries/categories.

In 2014, some of the brand to watch out for include: Konga.com, Guinness, Nokia, HoneyWell, Etisalat, Guarantee Trust Bank, and Sony.

GUINNESS
A true brand that has stands the test of time; Guinness became one of the top-of-the-mind beers in Nigeria many years ago and consistently showcased its drive as an innovative company that trends with time.

Guinness recent re-launch with a new label as part of a global redesign for its bottle reflects the adventurous character of the brand. The beautiful metallic gold foil crowning the bottle makes it a drink for every golden moment that will no doubt further connect and resonate the brand with new and existing customers this year.


 
ETISALAT
Innovation, dynamism and commitment are the words. Etisalat has demonstrated that slow and steady is all it takes to win a race. The 080naija company continues to deepen its market penetration every year by offering innovative products and services that suit everyone.

Since the introduction of Mobile Number Portability by the Nigerian Communication Commission (NCC) last year which enables over 114 million active mobile phone subscribers the freedom to switch from any non-performing operator and still retain their numbers, Etisalat appeared to have become the bride of Nigerians subscribers.

Last year, figures released by NCC showed that Etisalat recorded the least loss of porting and had the highest number of gains in May and June. According to NCC, Etisalat had 44 percent porting gain in May and 50 percent in June, the highest porting so far. It only recorded 11 per cent loss in May and also 11 per cent in June.


2014 is expected to see more competition in the telecommunication sector. However, Etisalat could improve on its growing subscriber base and throw up more attractive offers.


NOKIA
Despite the increasing scramble for Nigeria market by global mobile phone manufactures such as Samsung, Blackberry, TECNO and iPhone; Nokia still remain a major player to bit. The company launched a number of mobile and smart phones into the Nigerian market in the year 2013 including the Nokia 105, Asha 210, 310, 501, Lumia 520, 720, 925, 625, 1020, etcetera.

The giant phone maker was also recognized by some organizations for its ability to produce innovative devices for its numerous customers. Nokia received the Coolest Phone Brand of the Year Award at the maiden edition of The Businessday Generation Next Survey Awards; the Mobile Phone Brand of the Year Award at the 2013 Marketing World Awards and Most Innovative Smart Mobile Phone of the Year at the African Product Awards 2013 organized by the Institute for Government Research and Leadership Technology.

Nokia will be a major mobile phone brand to compete with in 2014 as more is expected to be seen.


HONEYWELL
A brand that could be described as: 'a product of Nigeria, by a Nigerian, for Nigerians (and beyond). HoneyWell shows the benefit in proper planning. Despite lack of adequate infrastructural facilities like power supply, good road network and other challenges, HoneyWell has proven that it has what it takes to survive and flourish. With a population of over 150 million, Honeywell has an existing market that needs its products and is expected to build on its increasing market share in 2014.


KONGA.COM
No doubt, electronic commerce has come to stay in Nigeria and can only get better. As online security keep improving and policies becoming more encouraging, online savvy Nigerians have continued to increase annually. Like the saying, 'it is not about how far but how well', Konga.com shows truly why they believe they are part of Africa's story. Founded in June 2012 by Sim Shagaya with just 10 works, today it has spread its tentacles across Nigeria.

In March 2013, Naspers acquired a 50 percent stake in Konga and received funds from Investment AB Kinnevik thus making the company bigger and better. In October last year, Konga unveiled Africa's biggest online retail warehouse in Lagos (known as the Fulfillment Centre). Konga has given Nigerians confidence to embrace online shopping through its impressive services and remain a major force to watch out for in 2014.

 
GUARANTEE TRUST BANK (GTBank)
Orange is the colour! Orange symbolises enthusiasm, creativity, happiness and energy. It’s no coincident that Guarantee Trust Bank PLC is one of the A-list banks in Nigeria and biggest companies in West Africa.

Since its commencement of operation in February 1991, GTBank has proven its worth over the years by offering a bouquet of innovative products and services - from contemporary banking to Internet Banking and SMS Banking.

In 2011, the bank became the biggest bank in Nigeria by market capitalisation. As at last check, the bank has 201 branches in Nigeria and more than 291 ATMs. In 2013 Top 100 Most Powerful Social Media Financial Brands in the world, GTBank was NO1 in Africa and NO7 in the world (awarded by www.thefinancialbrand.com). It also won the 2013 African Bank of the Year Award by African Banker Magazine.

GTbank will be looking forward to attract more customers and continue to create ‘happy’ memories in the minds of existing customers in 2014.


SONY
Globally, Sony is an electronic brand giant that needs no introduction. In line with its long term strategic investment program in infrastructure resources, Sony increased its network of service centres in Nigeria providing its customers with quality after sales service and support. The centre is supported by a network of five authorised service centres and seven collection counters located at convenient locations across the entire country.

This move will boost the trust and confidence of Nigerians in SONY and enables the company to favourably compete in 2014 with LG and Samsung that have persistently show strong presence in the market in recent time.