Nestlé Professional, the out-of-home business arm of Nestlé Nigeria, has continued to strengthen its commitment to small-scale food entrepreneurs by empowering more than 2,600 food vendors across 11 states. This impact has been achieved through its Business of Food workshop series, an initiative designed to equip vendors, caterers, and canteen operators with the skills needed to thrive in Nigeria’s competitive food service industry.
The most recent edition of the programme was held in Bauchi State, where 250 participants received intensive hands-on training. These included local food vendors, canteen operators, and caterers, who were guided on how to improve both their culinary techniques and their business operations.
Speaking on the programme’s significance, Ibraheem Awelenje, Business Manager at Nestlé Professional Nigeria, explained that the company’s vision is not only to support food vendors but also to help them flourish in a highly competitive environment. “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 are investing in businesses that feed families, create jobs, and preserve our rich culinary heritage,” he said.
The workshop offered participants practical lessons in areas such as menu planning, hygiene standards, food pricing, customer service, and food styling. A key highlight of the event was a live masterclass conducted by Nigerian chef, Chef Paulina, who demonstrated innovative twists to local delicacies, including the traditional dish Dafadukan Shinkafa Da Awara. This session exposed vendors to modern food presentation and cooking techniques that can elevate the appeal of their meals while retaining cultural authenticity.
Participants also engaged in a cooking challenge, where they were tasked with creating unique dishes. Winners were celebrated for their creativity, innovation, and strong presentation skills further reinforcing the workshop’s practical and interactive approach.
One of the attendees, Justina Stephen, Managing Director of Justfine Restaurants, shared her excitement about the training. “I am really excited about today’s programme and grateful to Nestlé. The training opened my eyes to possibilities I never considered before and showed me how to plan my menu and price my meals better to increase profit,” she said.
Since its inception, the Business of Food workshop series has continued to transform the food vendor landscape in Nigeria. By equipping entrepreneurs with knowledge, fostering innovation, and encouraging customer-centric practices, the initiative has helped small-scale businesses strengthen their menus, improve customer loyalty, and boost profitability.
Nestlé Professional emphasized that its long-term commitment goes beyond training, as it seeks to foster innovation in Nigeria’s food service industry, improve nutrition, and create sustainable income opportunities. By supporting food vendors across the country, the company is not only promoting entrepreneurship but also contributing to job creation, food security, and the preservation of Nigeria’s rich culinary heritage.
