Campaign to combat fake wine products

Nigeria’s wine market is intensifying efforts to eliminate counterfeit and substandard products amid rising concerns over public health, consumer confidence and loss of government revenue.

At a wine-tasting event in Lagos, Founder of Vines by Rosa, Chinedu Rita Rosa, said the campaign is aimed at ensuring Nigerians have access to quality wines at fair prices while protecting them from fraudulent dealers. Rosa, the first African Black woman wine consultant, with 26 years of experience spanning importing, wholesaling and wine education, said transparency in the supply chain is crucial.

She said: “We introduce you to our importers, our distributors, the restaurants and the hotels that carry our wine in order for you to have confident that no one is selling fake wine to you.”

Rosa stressed that consumer education is central to combating the fake-wine trade, arguing that many consumers are unable to distinguish genuine labels from imitations without proper guidance.

“Go online. Check what you are buying and where it’s coming from. both the winery and people exists,” She advised.

She also highlighted the economic benefits of removing fake products from circulation, explaining that each bottle of legitimate wine contributes to government revenue through taxes and customs duties.

Beyond market integrity, Rosa warned of the public-health risks posed by substandard wines.

“We don’t want people drinking substandard wines and falling sick. The worst thing you want in a country is people that are sick, because that also affects our GDP,” she said.

While Nigeria is not a wine-producing nation, she noted that its strong consumer base and high import volumes make regulatory vigilance vital.

“We are consumers, and on every wine bottle opened, there are taxes. The government is making a lot of revenue,” she added.

Export manager for Settecani and Fina wineries, Roberto Cardinale, said wine appreciation in Nigeria is rising steadily, driven partly by Nigerians returning from abroad with more refined tastes.

“The appreciation is growing, and the level of wines consumed is getting higher. Nigerians want to experience the same quality they enjoy overseas,” he said.

The renewed push for higher standards comes as stakeholders seek to protect consumers, support legitimate businesses and strengthen Nigeria’s growing position in the global wine market.

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