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IKI Leads Limited, the Lagos-based beverage maker founded by Nigerian entrepreneur Ikechukwu Innocent Onwunali, has rolled out Doncoco, a fresh line of spirits aimed at deepening its footprint in Nigeria’s alcoholic beverage market.
The new line includes Doncoco Vodka, Doncoco Vodka with Orange, Doncoco Tequila Reposado, Doncoco Whisky & Cola, and Doncoco Single Malt Whiskey. They join the company’s earlier offerings, such as Pasa Bitters, PoloClub Chocolate Vodka, Meridian Club Cream, and Riverine Aromatic Schnapps.
Homegrown spirits gain edge in Nigeria
The creation of Doncoco took nearly a year of trials and consumer tastings. Onwunali said the team wanted to craft something familiar yet polished. “This is a dream we’ve worked on for months,” he said at the Lagos launch. “Our aim was simple: make something Nigerians can enjoy and feel proud of. Premium quality, but realistic for today’s pocket.”
Each variant, he added, was designed to fit “different moods and occasions,” giving the brand a personal, homegrown character. New bottles and packaging are also being introduced to make the products stand out on bar shelves and in supermarkets.
Doncoco arrives at a time when Nigeria’s alcoholic beverage market, worth more than $7 billion, is tilting toward homegrown labels. As import costs rise, more consumers are turning to Nigerian-made spirits that combine value with authenticity.
Culture in every bottle
Beyond commercial goals the Doncoco brand carries a message of pride in local work. The company is partnering with Nollywood actors, musicians, and nightlife promoters to weave the brand into popular culture. “Every bottle of Doncoco represents Nigerian hands and ideas,” Onwunali said. “We want people to taste it and know it’s from here.”
Its early success with Pasa Bitters and PoloClub Vodka helped it earn credibility in a crowded space. Doncoco, Onwunali said, is the next step, one meant to push Nigerian-made beverages into wider recognition. For many in Nigeria’s growing middle class, that message resonates; it’s about self-belief, community, and celebrating what’s made at home.
From a small start to recognized name
Started over ten years ago, IKI Leads has grown from a modest operation into one of the better-known local liquor producers. Co-founded by Ikechukwu Onwunali, who also serves as a director at Cubana Trading & Investment Co. Ltd, the company runs a facility in Ogun State and employs hundreds directly, with many more involved in its distribution chain.
After the Doncoco launch, IKI Leads plans to scale up production and test export opportunities across West Africa. Nigeria’s spirits market is projected to expand by 6 percent to 8 percent annually through 2030, offering space for local players to grow. With a mix of presentation, fair pricing, and careful blending, Doncoco aims to show that “premium” in Nigeria doesn’t have to mean imported luxury, it can mean quality born at home.
