Big George, popularly known as Big G, was the visionary who gave Kenya its most iconic chewing gum. His real name was George Owino, and in 1971 he made history as the first Kenyan employee at Wrigley East Africa, joining the company as a marketer. At the time, the chewing gum market was dominated by small pellets, which Owino felt lacked appeal. Driven by innovation, he conceived the idea of a larger gum with bold, distinctive packaging.
This idea led to the birth of Big G chewing gum, instantly recognizable for its red wrapper and yellow branding. The gum quickly became a hit, resonating with consumers across Kenya and establishing itself as a cultural symbol.
Rise of a Cultural Staple
By the early 1980s, Big G gum had taken over the Kenyan market, cementing its position as a household name. Children and adults alike embraced it, making it a part of daily life and schoolyard memories. Owino’s sharp marketing strategies and creative vision ensured that the gum was not just a product but a beloved cultural staple.
His success in growing Big G’s popularity propelled him through the company ranks. Eventually, Owino rose to become Wrigley East Africa’s chairman, a position he held until his retirement in 1998.
Early Life and Background
Born in 1941, George Owino was the only child of Patrick Owidh and Maria Obiero. He grew up in rural Kenya, attending Sega Primary School before continuing his studies at Shimo la Tewa Intermediate School. From these humble beginnings, Owino built a career that left an enduring impact on Kenya’s consumer market.
Legacy and Passing
Owino retired after nearly three decades of service at Wrigley, leaving behind a thriving legacy in the confectionery industry. His innovation with Big G gum is remembered as one of the most influential product launches in Kenya’s consumer history.
George Owino passed away in July 2004, but his contribution lives on every time Kenyans unwrap a stick of Big G. His story is not just about creating chewing gum—it is about innovation, cultural identity, and national pride.
