CHI Limited

CHI Limited is a Nigerian food and beverage company headquartered in Lagos. Established in 1980, the company developed a broad portfolio spanning fruit juices, dairy products, malt-based beverages, snacks, and other consumer food products. Its best-known consumer brands are Chivita and Hollandia, which have become important names in Nigeria's fruit-juice and dairy categories respectively. The company first gained a foothold in the Nigerian beverage market through its local production and distribution partnership for Capri-Sonne, later known globally as Capri-Sun. CHI introduced the product to Nigeria in 1982 in four flavors. Nigeria subsequently became one of Capri-Sun's largest markets, and CHI has remained a long-term manufacturing and distribution partner for the brand in the country. CHI later moved beyond international licensed products by developing its own Chivita juice brand. Chivita was launched in 1997, followed by the installation of a Tetra Pak production line in 1998 and the introduction of one-litre aseptic packaging. This investment supported the expansion of locally produced shelf-stable juices and allowed the company to develop a wider range of flavors and formats. In the 2000s, CHI entered value-added dairy. The company helped establish a drinking-yogurt category in Nigeria and introduced evaporated milk in aseptic packaging under the Hollandia name. Hollandia subsequently became a major part of the company's dairy portfolio. CHI also expanded Chivita into adjacent beverage segments, introducing Chivita Ice Tea, Chivita Active, and Chivita Happy Hour between 2009 and 2010. In 2019, it launched what was described as Nigeria's first lactose-free milk, addressing consumers who have difficulty digesting lactose. The company continued to broaden its packaging and product range in the 2020s. Chivita beverages began to be produced in cans in 2020, and Chivita Smart Malt Drink was introduced in 2022. A portfolio revitalization involving both Chivita and Hollandia took place in 2023. CHI is also associated with a major aseptic beverage production site described as the largest of its kind in Sub-Saharan Africa, giving the company substantial domestic manufacturing capability. CHI's products are primarily positioned around accessible, locally produced packaged food and beverages, with emphasis on fruit content, dairy nutrition, convenience, and family consumption. Its operations serve the Nigerian market while also reaching other African markets. The company has received workplace recognition, including Great Place To Work certification in 2023 and a gold-rated recertification in 2024. In September 2025, UAC of Nigeria Plc completed the purchase of CHI Limited, placing the company within UAC's corporate portfolio. The available reference material does not specify the transaction value or detailed post-acquisition governance structure.

CHI Limited was incorporated in Nigeria in 1980 and developed as a domestic manufacturer and distributor of packaged food and beverages. Its early history was closely connected with Capri-Sonne, the fruit-drink product later known internationally as Capri-Sun. In 1982, CHI launched the product in Nigeria in four flavors. The Nigerian market later became the second-largest global market for Capri-Sun, and CHI continued as a long-term local production and distribution partner. The company began building proprietary brands in the 1990s. In 1997, it created and launched Chivita, its own fruit-juice brand. The following year, CHI installed its first Tetra Pak production line and introduced Chivita in one-litre aseptic packaging. Aseptic packaging allowed the company to distribute shelf-stable beverages without conventional cold-chain requirements and supported the expansion of the juice range. CHI entered value-added dairy in 2005. It developed a drinking-yogurt category and launched evaporated milk in aseptic packaging under the Hollandia brand. Hollandia became the company's principal dairy identity, while Chivita expanded beyond conventional juice. Between 2009 and 2010, the Chivita portfolio added Ice Tea, Active, and Happy Hour products, extending the brand into additional refreshment and functional beverage occasions. In 2019, CHI introduced Nigeria's first lactose-free milk, according to the company's reference history. The launch broadened its dairy proposition for consumers with lactose intolerance or sensitivity. In 2020, the company began producing Chivita beverages in cans, adding a new packaging format to its existing aseptic offerings. Chivita Smart Malt Drink followed in 2022. During 2023, CHI undertook a revitalization of the Chivita and Hollandia portfolios. The company's manufacturing footprint includes a production site described as the largest facility using aseptic beverage packaging in Sub-Saharan Africa. This capability has supported its role as a significant Nigerian producer of juices, dairy drinks, and related packaged beverages. The company has also received recognition for its workplace environment. It earned Great Place To Work certification in 2023 and a gold-rated recertification in 2024. In September 2025, UAC of Nigeria Plc completed the purchase of CHI Limited. The supplied material does not provide further details about consideration, board composition, or operational integration after the acquisition.

• 2025

  UAC of Nigeria completes CHI acquisition

  [1]Chi Limiteden.wikipedia.org

  UAC of Nigeria Plc completes the purchase of CHI Limited in September 2025.

• 2023

  Chivita and Hollandia portfolios are revitalized

  [1]Chi Limiteden.wikipedia.org

  CHI undertakes a portfolio revitalization covering its two principal consumer brands.

• 2022

  Chivita Smart Malt Drink launches

  [1]Chi Limiteden.wikipedia.org

  CHI adds Chivita Smart Malt Drink to its beverage portfolio.

• 2020

  Chivita beverages enter cans

  [1]Chi Limiteden.wikipedia.org

  The company begins producing Chivita beverages in canned formats.

• 2019

  Lactose-free milk is launched

  [1]Chi Limiteden.wikipedia.org

  CHI launches what its reference history identifies as Nigeria's first lactose-free milk.

• 2009

  Chivita expands into adjacent beverage segments

  [1]Chi Limiteden.wikipedia.org

  Chivita Ice Tea, Chivita Active, and Chivita Happy Hour are introduced during the 2009–2010 expansion period.

• 2005

  CHI enters value-added dairy

  [1]Chi Limiteden.wikipedia.org

  The company develops a drinking-yogurt category and launches evaporated milk in aseptic packaging under Hollandia.

• 1998

  First Tetra Pak line is installed

  [1]Chi Limiteden.wikipedia.org

  The company installs its first Tetra Pak production line and begins offering Chivita in one-litre aseptic packaging.

• 1997

  Chivita is launched

  [1]Chi Limiteden.wikipedia.org

  CHI introduces Chivita as its own fruit-juice brand.

• 1982

  Capri-Sonne launches in Nigeria

  [1]Chi Limiteden.wikipedia.org

  CHI introduces Capri-Sonne, later known as Capri-Sun, to the Nigerian market in four flavors.

• 1980

  CHI Limited is incorporated

  [1]Chi Limiteden.wikipedia.org

  CHI Limited is established in Nigeria as a food and beverage company.

A Nigerian mass-market food and beverage manufacturer focused on locally produced fruit juices, dairy products, and convenient packaged drinks for consumers in Nigeria and other African markets.

• Fruit juice and beverages · 1997

  Chivita

  Chivita is CHI Limited's principal proprietary beverage brand. It began as a fruit-juice line in 1997 and later expanded into multiple flavors, aseptic one-litre packs, cans, iced tea, active-positioned beverages, Happy Hour products, and a malt drink. It is positioned as a broadly accessible Nigerian beverage brand serving everyday refreshment occasions.

• Dairy · 2005

  Hollandia

  Hollandia is CHI Limited's major dairy brand. The portfolio includes drinking yogurt, evaporated milk in aseptic packaging, and lactose-free milk. The brand represents CHI's move into value-added dairy and is associated with the company's leadership in Nigeria's packaged dairy market.

• Fruit drink · 1982

  Capri-Sun

  Capri-Sun is the globally recognized children's fruit-drink brand that CHI introduced to Nigeria under its former Capri-Sonne name in 1982. CHI has remained a long-term Nigerian production and distribution partner. The product helped establish the company's early presence in packaged beverages and continues to be associated with its local manufacturing role.

• Malt beverage · 2022

  Chivita Smart Malt Drink

  Chivita Smart Malt Drink is a malt-based extension of the Chivita portfolio introduced in 2022. It illustrates the company's strategy of using an established consumer brand to enter adjacent non-alcoholic beverage occasions beyond conventional fruit juice.

• 2025

  Acquisition by UAC of NigeriaM&A

  Background

  CHI was acquired as part of UAC of Nigeria Plc's corporate expansion and portfolio ownership activities.

  Action taken

  UAC of Nigeria Plc completed the purchase of CHI Limited in September 2025.

  Aftermath

  CHI became part of UAC of Nigeria's group. The supplied sources do not state the purchase price, integration plan, or changes to management.

  Source

• 2023

  Revitalization of Chivita and HollandiaStrategy

  Background

  CHI reviewed its two principal consumer portfolios as competition and consumer preferences continued to evolve.

  Action taken

  The company undertook a revitalization of the Chivita and Hollandia brands.

  Aftermath

  The supplied material confirms the portfolio exercise but does not detail its packaging, identity, distribution, or financial effects.

  Source

• 2019

  Launch of lactose-free milkProduct launch

  Background

  The company identified a need for dairy products suitable for consumers who are lactose intolerant or sensitive.

  Action taken

  CHI launched what its reference history describes as Nigeria's first lactose-free milk.

  Aftermath

  The product expanded Hollandia's proposition and addressed a previously underserved dietary need in the Nigerian market.

  Source

• 2005

  Expansion into value-added dairyStrategy

  Background

  CHI aimed to broaden its business beyond fruit drinks and participate in Nigeria's developing packaged dairy market.

  Action taken

  The company developed drinking yogurt and launched Hollandia evaporated milk in aseptic packaging.

  Aftermath

  Hollandia became a core CHI brand and established the company as a significant participant in Nigerian dairy.

  Source

• 1997

  Creation of the Chivita juice brandProduct launch

  Background

  CHI moved from primarily representing an international beverage product toward building proprietary Nigerian brands.

  Action taken

  The company created and launched Chivita as its own fruit-juice brand.

  Aftermath

  Chivita became one of CHI's flagship brands and was later extended into several beverage categories and package formats.

  Source

• 1982

  Launch of Capri-Sonne in NigeriaProduct launch

  Background

  CHI sought to establish a presence in Nigeria's packaged fruit-drink market through the Capri-Sonne product.

  Action taken

  The company launched Capri-Sonne in four flavors and developed a long-term local production and distribution relationship for the brand.

  Aftermath

  Nigeria became the second-largest global market for Capri-Sun according to the supplied reference, strengthening CHI's role in the Nigerian children's beverage segment.

  Source

1. 1Chi Limiteden.wikipedia.org