SONO and PICAMA GROUP, the European multinationals, have begun moves to partner Benue Investment and Property Company Limited (BIPC) in order to commence production at the BIPC-owned Benval Juice and Benfruits factories.
Receiving the team at the Corporate Headquarters in Makurdi, Raymond Asemakaha, Group Managing Director of BIPC, said the proposed partnership and investors’ arrival marked a new era in the company’s efforts to reduce post-harvest losses and boost the State’s economy.
According to him, the investment in orange processing will create a stable market for farmers, reduce post-harvest losses by up to 80% increase farmers’ income, improve livelihoods, and generate job opportunities for the State’s teeming youths.
Asemakaha added that the factories would enhance the overall efficiency of agricultural operations, contribute significantly to Benue’s economic growth, increase the State’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), and retain more wealth within the State.
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He assured that by the end of October, Benue oranges would no longer leave the State unprocessed.
“This partnership demonstrates the potential for collaboration and innovation in our agricultural sector, in line with the vision of His Excellency, Hyacinth Iormem Alia, the Executive Governor of Benue State,” he said.
The GM, however, urged farmers and the Orange Growers Association to work together to ensure the initiative’s success. “As from the end of October, no oranges will leave Benue State unprocessed, as we will offtake 100%”, he emphasised.
SONO Brazil Chairman, Luiz Arenac, appreciated the State Government for the partnership, assuring that his team would work hard to deliver on the October 2025 target.
