Ibraheem Awelenje, the business manager of Nestlé Professional, the out-of-home business arm of Nestlé Nigeria, says the food and beverage company is deepening its investment in the local food ecosystem to champion inclusive economic growth, nutrition, and entrepreneurial resilience across Nigeria’s foodservice landscape.
“At Nestlé, our purpose is to unlock the power of food to enhance quality of life for everyone, today and for generations to come. Business of Food is one of the many ways we bring that purpose to life,” Awelenje said, during the recent ‘Business of Food’ workshop series held in Bauchi State.
According to him, the workshop was held in partnership with the Bauchi State Association of Caterers and Food Vendors, with practical sessions on menu planning, hygiene, pricing, customer service, and food styling.
Now in its 11th edition, the ‘Business of Food’ workshop is Nestlé Professional’s platform for empowering micro, small, and medium-scale food vendors with the skills and confidence to run profitable, sustainable businesses while serving meals that are both nutritious and prepared to the highest hygiene standards.
As part of its initiative to support the local food ecosystem, Nestlé Professional empowered over 250 food vendors, canteen operators, grillers, and caterers in Bauchi State with vital culinary and business skills to thrive in the growing food service sector.
According to Awelenje, the goal of Nestlé Professional is to see food vendors in Nigeria not just survive but thrive. He added that food entrepreneurs in Bauchi State are deeply rooted in tradition, yet are eager to innovate their food business.
“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 more possible, one vendor, and one community at a time,” Awelenje said.
He disclosed that the business of food initiative was designed in response to the challenges faced by operators in Nigeria’s food service sector. According to him, the program blends hands-on culinary training, business management insights, and peer-to-peer networking.
“I am really excited about today’s program and honestly grateful to Nestle. 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,” Justina Stephen, head cook/MD, Justfine Restaurants and one of the workshop participant said in a testimonial.
