In Kenya, the name “Big G” was once a household name, loved by people of all ages. However, in the present day, the chewing gum market is dominated by brands such as Wrigley’s PK, Juicy Fruit, and Trident.
What many people may not know is that Big G was actually named after a successful Kenyan businessman, Sir George Owino. In this article, we will delve into the story of George Owino and his sweet success as the brains behind Kenya’s first widely-loved chewing gum.
Born in 1941 to Patrick Owidh and Maria Obiero, George Owino came from a humble background. He attended Sega Primary School and later Shimo la Tewa Intermediate School. Owino was always interested in the world of business and spent his days reading entrepreneurship books and magazines, dreaming of starting his own company one day.
After working as a sales representative for various companies, Sir George realized that he wanted to create something that would make a lasting impact on the world. In the 1970s, he made history by becoming the first Kenyan to work at Wrigleys, a US-based multinational chewing gum company.
However, he was not satisfied with the conventional method of making chewing gum pellets and came up with a new formula that became the instant success known as Big G. He researched the best ingredients and manufacturing process for months until he found the perfect formula.
Big G’s size and flavor made it an irresistible magnet for many, including those who indulged in chewing khat ‘miraa.’ The gum was given a striking red color with distinct yellow lettering, making it a formidable competitor to big names in the market, such as PK, Juicy Fruit, and Orbit.
Sir George’s dream had become a reality, and he continued to innovate and improve the product, adding new flavors and textures to keep people interested. He was promoted to become chairman of Wrigley East Africa, where he worked until his retirement in 1998, expanding the company by hiring more staff and opening up new distribution channels.
Big G became a symbol of Kenya’s entrepreneurial spirit, with Sir George’s story inspiring others to pursue their dreams and create their own businesses. Although he passed away in 2004, his legacy continues to live on. Sir George was a true visionary who reminded us that anything is possible with hard work, determination, and a little creativity.
