(Business in Cameroon) - The American company Wrigley, which claims the world leadership in the confectionery manufacture, has just launched a call for bids for the recruitment of distributors of its products in Cameroon, we learned from an official document. The applicants have until 9 September 2016 to contact the management of this firm.

Among the conditions to be met, bidders to this call for partnership will have to make sure they have a minimum capital of USD 250,000 available, equivalent to approximately FCfa 137 million; they are able to pay before receiving delivery; be able to import from Kenya, Poland, France or the Czech Republic; managing non competing brands, or having a whole department dedicated to supply chain and logistics, etc.

Joining the portfolio of the American chocolate giant Mars Incorporated, in 2008, Wrigley manufactures chewing gum, mint candies, lollipops and many other candies under brands such as Orbit, Freedent, Juicy Fruit, Doublemint or Skittles.

Headquartered in Chicago, this company has about 50 subsidiaries throughout the world and distributes its products in 180 countries. Its interest in the Cameroonian market is the sign of more competition in the future for Chococam (Chocolateries et confiseries du Cameroun), local subsidiary of South African Tiger Brands, whose market shares are gradually lowered by candies imported mainly from Turkey and Nigeria.

To face this competition, Chococam started a few years ago diversifying its activities. By distributing other foodstuffs such as rice and pasta under the Tastic brand, and more recently by moving into the distribution of personal care (Miadi) and house care products.

Brice R. Mbodiam