In a significant move to bolster Nigeria’s vibrant food service industry, Nestlé Professional, the Out-of-Home business arm of Nestlé Nigeria, recently concluded the 11th edition of its flagship 'Business of Food' workshop in Bauchi State.
The initiative empowered more than 250 local food vendors, canteen operators, caterers, and grillers with critical business acumen and culinary skills designed to help them thrive in a competitive market.
The workshop, held in partnership with the Bauchi State Association of Caterers and Food Vendors, is part of Nestlé Professional’s broader vision to nurture micro, small, and medium-scale food businesses.
By blending hands-on culinary training with practical business management insights, the program aims to help vendors not only survive but build profitable and sustainable enterprises.
Since its inception, the initiative has reached over 2,600 food vendors across 11 states, marking a tangible investment in the livelihoods of entrepreneurs who are integral to Nigeria's culinary landscape.
Ibraheem Awelenje, Business Manager for Nestlé Professional Nigeria, articulated the company’s purpose behind the program.
“Our goal is to see food vendors in Nigeria not just survive, but thrive.
“Bauchi’s food entrepreneurs are deeply rooted in tradition, yet eager to innovate, and this excites us.
“By connecting them with practical skills, new ideas, and a network of peers, we're investing in businesses that feed families, create jobs, and preserve our rich culinary heritage.
“This is how we make it more possible, one vendor, one community at a time,” he stated.
The one-day event was packed with a variety of engaging sessions, covering essential topics such as menu planning, hygiene standards, pricing strategies, customer service excellence, and food styling.
A major highlight was a Masterclass led by renowned Nigerian Chef Paulina, who demonstrated how to elevate classic local dishes, including the beloved 'Dafadukan Shinkafa Da Awara', into modern culinary creations.
This hands-on session provided a clear example of how traditional recipes can be refined to meet contemporary tastes and hygiene expectations.
The workshop culminated in an exciting cooking challenge where participants were allowed to put their newly acquired skills to the test.
Judges evaluated their creations based on taste, presentation, and plating, providing constructive feedback that was celebrated by all.
This friendly competition not only showcased the vendors' creativity but also reinforced the practical skills they learned throughout the day.
Justina Stephen, the Head Cook and Managing Director of Justfine Restaurants, was among the grateful participants.
“I am really excited about today’s program and honestly grateful to Nestlé.
"The training has opened my eyes to possibilities I never considered before, and showed me how to better plan my menu and even price my meals to increase my profit.
It has been a very good experience,” she shared.
By extending this workshop series, Nestlé Professional is deepening its commitment to fostering inclusive economic growth and entrepreneurial resilience within Nigeria's local food ecosystems.
This initiative aligns with Nestlé’s overarching global purpose to “unlock the power of food to enhance quality of life for everyone, today and for generations to come.”
The 'Business of Food' program is a testament to this commitment, transforming individual vendors into confident business owners and, in turn, strengthening entire communities.
As Nestlé Nigeria continues to expand its reach, it remains a powerful force for good, leveraging its resources and expertise to help improve the well-being and livelihood of Nigerians while building thriving communities.
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