October 21, 2025 (Lagos) — Guala Closures, a global leader in specialty beverage closure solutions, today announced a strategic partnership with IKILEADS, an independent beverage company, for the launch of “Don Coco” -six new 200ml PET bottle variants: malt-blend whisky, gin, vodka, ready-to-drink, tequila, and whisky. Annual volumes are forecasted at approximately 25–30 million units.
The bottles will feature PICCOLO, a newly developed premium closure designed specifically for PET bottles. This innovation marks Guala Closures’ entry into Africa’s fast-growing small-format PET spirits segment, where affordability and portability drive demand, but closures have traditionally been simple CSD caps.
Premium protection for a high-volume market
In Africa, PET bottles dominate the market for small sizes due to their lower cost compared to glass and their suitability for mass production. The PICCOLO closure addresses a key gap by offering enhanced safety, tamper evidence, and brand protection.
Engineered by Guala Closures, PICCOLO is a two-piece cap with tamper-evident features and dual-color options for added brand integrity. Unlike generic CSD closures, PICCOLO is compatible only with specially designed PET preforms.
The PET preform design ensures a competitive edge for brand owners seeking premium differentiation. Closures can be customized with embossing for strong visual identity. Final production will take place at Guala Closures facilities in Nigeria.
“PICCOLO is our answer to a growing demand for secure, premium closures in Africa’s PET spirits market. By combining technical innovation with brand protection, we are enabling producers to elevate their offering and safeguard their reputation,” said Sadanand Hanagodimath, Managing Director of Guala Closures West Africa LFZE.
“Partnering with Guala Closures allows us to bring a new level of quality and security to our customers. In a market where small-format PET bottles are a key driver of growth, this innovation gives our consumers confidence in product integrity while helping our brand “Don Coco” to stand out in a highly competitive environment,” said Innocent Ikechukwu, Managing Director of IKILEADS Ltd.
The project began in February 2025 and reflects close cooperation between Guala Closures’ plants in India and Nigeria, supported by the Product Development & Innovation Center in Italy.
About Guala Closures
Creators of Closure Solutions – delivers premium, innovative, and sustainable closure systems that protect products, enhance user experience, and strengthen brand value.
With 37 production facilities and a presence in over 100 countries, the Group is a global leader in specialty beverage closure solutions. Through close collaboration with customers and design studios, Guala Closures turns ideas into high-performance, manufacturable solutions.
In 2024, the Group recorded over €830 million in revenue, powered by over 5,000 employees, 7 Product Development and Innovation Centres, and 200+ patents, underscoring its commitment to innovation and industry leadership.
More information is available at Guala Closures and follow the company page on LinkedIn.
