Nestlé Professional is actively empowering food vendors in Nigeria to stimulate economic growth.
Recently, the company organized the Business of Food workshop in Ilorin, where over 300 participants, including food vendors, chefs, canteen and restaurant operators, and culinary school students, were provided with essential training to enhance their food businesses.
The workshop encompassed a wide range of topics relevant to the food industry, such as culinary techniques, menu planning, customer engagement, and maintaining good hygiene practices. Seasoned professionals, well-versed in their respective fields, shared their expertise and best practices, allowing attendees to gain valuable insights.
Through initiatives like the Business of Food workshop, Nestlé Professional aims to support food vendors and contribute to the growth of their businesses, ultimately fostering economic development in the region.
The head of Nestlé Professional business in Nigeria, Mrs. Funmi Osineye, said “This workshop is aligned with our vision to foster economic growth in local communities. Our aim is to equip local food vendors with the essential knowledge and skills to grow and sustain their businesses. We believe that in addition to the practical skills, local entrepreneurs need a supportive environment where they can thrive. We therefore designed the workshop to include networking opportunities where participants can exchange ideas, share their experiences, and build valuable connections within the industry. We are confident that the training today will equip the food vendors, chefs, canteen and restaurants operators as well as the culinary school students to excel in the business of food.”
At the workshop, attendees were treated to an engaging live cooking master class by Olushola Folake Mutiat, a popular On-Air Personality (OAP) who shared invaluable insights into the art of preparing Wanke, a beloved West African dish that combines rice and beans, enhanced with the delightful flavors of Maggi Chicken and Maggi Star seasoning.
Adding to the excitement, a thrilling cooking competition took place between two teams named ‘Chicken’ and ‘Star.’ They enthusiastically vied with each other to create the most exquisite jollof rice dish.
Mrs. Olayinka Atoyebi, the president of the Association of Caterers and Restaurant Owners in Ilorin, Expressing her gratitude, extended heartfelt thanks to Nestlé Professional for organizing the event.
She appreciated the initiative, acknowledging the valuable opportunity it provided for association members to acquire new skills, thereby enhancing their businesses and livelihoods.
Several esteemed catering schools participated in the workshop, including IVTEC, Ajase-Ipo, Imi-Ini Venture, and Best Apple Treat.
Students from these culinary schools expressed their appreciation to Nestlé Professional for the chance to meet and learn from accomplished industry professionals, an experience they cherished.
Mrs. Osineye, a representative of Nestlé Professional, assured all participants that the organization remains steadfast in its commitment to supporting the growth and success of food vendors across Nigeria.
Nestlé Professional, the Out-of-Home division of Nestle, is dedicated to offering innovative and top-notch food and beverage solutions to the food service industry in Nigeria. We serve a diverse range of customers, including restaurants, hotels, cafes, offices, catering companies, coffee shops, and other foodservice providers.
Our goal is to become the trusted partner of choice in the Out-of-Home sector by providing affordable and nutritious food and beverage solutions that contribute to our customers’ success. We strive to offer products that meet their needs and help them thrive.
Nestlé Nigeria is a prominent player in the African food and beverage industry. With a legacy spanning over 59 years, our company has been committed to satisfying consumers across Nigeria with consistently high-quality and nutritious food offerings.
We have a dedicated workforce of over 2,200 direct employees, operating from three manufacturing sites, seven branch offices, and a head office situated in Lagos. Nestlé Nigeria proudly manufactures and markets several well-known brands, including NESTLÉ PURELIFE, GOLDEN MORN, MILO, MAGGI, and NESCAFÉ.
At Nestlé, our purpose is to harness the power of food to enhance the quality of life for people today and for future generations. We believe in the transformative potential of food and strive to contribute to the well-being of individuals and communities.