Green Sprouts is the idea my partner and I came up with, when we discovered the need for Coconut water in the Nigerian Market - Kola Awoniyi

By Kemi Mobuse - Wednesday, August 10, 2016

After a re invigorating workout; If your taste buds just can’t take another sip of tap water, choose coconut water. If you’re heading to the gym for a light training session or going for a leisurely bike ride, grab coconut water. If you’ve just wrapped up an intense workout or logged more than an hour of exercise, a traditional sports drink will help replace the sodium you lose through sweat.

The best news though is that, you can get your coconut water right here in Nigeria, very easily at your finger prints, courtesy the CEOS of Green Sprouts Ng.
KMB had a chat with one of the partners about the health benefits of this delicious drink and it makes for a good read below...

KMB: Can we meet you?

Green Sprouts Ng: My name is Kola Awoniyi

KMB: What do you do?

Green Sprouts Ng: I have a day job as a senior project manager. Green sprout is a side business I started with Ese Aigbogun

KMB: What inspired your brand; Green sprouts? And why production of coconut water in particular?

Green Sprouts Ng: Well my partner and I had always discussed starting up something that was agriculture related, we had a series of ideas that we dreamt about birthing

So, while I was on holiday visiting Ese and we were at her friends Rehma, who works out and takes coconut water, so Ese and I had the last one left in her fridge and we thought it was nice.

Long story cut short, we came back home, Ese moved back to naija that Dec, life continued, No where to find coconut water in Nigeria, and we wanted to drink it

And I asked Ese who is very enterprising by the way, can't we start coconut water? She said why not with a smile, I replied I have been thinking about it she said sure let's do it, the idea crossed my mind before, and that's how the idea was birthed.

KMB: How old is your brand now and how has the market reception been?

Green Sprouts Ng: Oh we are very new in the market 😊 . It's been Awesome

I mean there are loads of challenges and hurdles one has to cross but hey! What biz in this world is free of hassle?

KMB: What benefits can one get from coconut water?

Green Sprouts Ng: Here are some Health benefits:

· It lowers down blood pressure

· Aids weight loss

· Increased athletic performance

· Boosted energy

· Lowered cholesterol

· Reduced cellulite

· Relax muscle tension

Coconut water is also good for cleansing and detoxing

And of course, it’s a good remedy for hangover..... after TGIF

KMB: Can it also be described as tasty? Just like actual coconut water gotten directly from coconut?

Green Sprouts Ng: Oh definitely

That's what separates us from other imported coconut water, ours is FRESH, pure and raw, the real deal is what you get here. No additives, no preservatives, no sugar added, no water added.

KMB: What major challenges have you had to deal with since inception? And what can you say those challenges taught you?

Green Sprouts Ng: Well to be honest a lot of challenges, what we visualize and the actually reality of how things unfold are two very different things. Logistics, power, sourcing etc.

KMB: Can you walk us through a very brief process of making your coconut water?

Green Sprouts Ng: First we get the young tender coconuts plucked, extract the water from it and bottle 😊 that was brief lol! 😅

KMB: What do you aim to achieve with your brand in say 5 years?

Green Sprouts Ng: In 5 years we aim to be the biggest coconut water brand in West Africa.

KMB: By the way, how many coconuts can give you one full bottle of coconut water?

Green Sprouts Ng: It all depends really. Like everything in nature, coconut water content is unpredictable.

KMB: Any advice for upcoming entrepreneurs?

Green Sprouts Ng: In one word START! I realized the biggest fear every entrepreneur has is; starting, wanting to have a perfect plan and so on. Well the truth is, it can't be perfect. And you don't need all the money in the world to birth an idea, your drive does all of that , put in the work and be positive, get out of that comfort zone and just push your go button. Then shield it with prayer, you are good to go!

KMB: Lastly, how can you be contacted?

Green Sprouts Ng: Email: Info.greensprout@gmail.com

Instagram @greensproutng

Tel : 08039453003, 08180626721

More pictures below: