Alomo bitters and shito gains patronage at Togo International Fair

Chocolate, herbal products, pepper sauce (shito), beaded jewellery and alomo bitters (alcoholic beverage), pulled up strongly against other Ghanaian products at the ongoing Togo International Fair being held in Lome, capital city of Togo. Although sales had been slow since the commencement of the fair on November 23, business picked up steadily during the weekend as some Ghanaian exhibitors grabbed good business deals. Mr William Cubagee, Chief Executive Officer of Original Paa Willie and Companies (dealers in herbal products), told journalists on Saturday that he had made good daily sales that averaged more than 400,000 Francs (about 700 dollars). He said he had invested in awareness and publicity activities to ensure high patronage of his products. Mr Cubagee, who deals mainly in products and creams that are said to cure scars, kelloids, skin rashes, joint pains and heel stretch marks, says his products are of good quality. "Quality products speak for themselves that is why the people love my products," he added. Mr Francis H. Adzah, Head of Export Sales at Shalina Pharmacy, said: "I don't anticipate volumes of sales at the exhibition stands. I am rather interested in building on brand awareness and to take it from there." Mr Adzah said he had employed a sales representative based in Togo and is looking for business opportunities for wholesalers interested in his products. According to him, he had achieved about 50 per cent of his target for the exhibition. Mrs Victoria Takyi, Chief Executive Officer of Awo Shito, who deals in cocoa products, shito and alomo bitters, said she is focused on designing and packaging her products to suit the purchasing power of patrons at the exhibition grounds. The fair, which had so far attracted thousands of people, witnessed some Togolese visitors and passers-by waving admiring or shaking hands with the Ghanaian exhibitors at the stands. Some are spotted trying to dance to highlife and hiplife music being played at some of the Ghanaian stands, while others try to make some of the latest Azonto dance-craze moves. The exhibition which is expected to end on December 10 would be officially closed to the Ghanaian exhibitors on December 4 to enable them travel back home to exercise their franchise on Friday, December 7.