Nigeria’s food supply chain is one of the industries experiencing the technology revolution as new and young entrepreneurs seize opportunities for innovation in the space. 23 year old Runsewe Opeoluwa, spoke to FRANK ELEANYA on some of the technology-driven initiatives the company is driving and how they are solving problems in the industry.
How do you see Mobile Coldroom; as a logistics company or as a technology company?
Mobile Coldroom cannot be seen as a Logistics company neither can it be seen as a technology company. These were initiatives introduced in our attempt to ensure a transitional change to the food supply industry whilst building sustainability. Mobile Coldroom’s primary operation is food supply and can be seen as a multi entity as we also engage in food logistics through our delivery system and a tech-enabled order system.
Logistics is a major challenge for businesses in the agric value chain, what are the solutions your company is providing?
Our logistic system is health-focused. We hereby ensure our food supplies are distributed in state-of-the-art frozen conditions via refrigerated automobiles; ensuring top notch food safety and simultaneously delivering efficiency through our strategically mapped out same-day deliveries.
What type of regulatory environment needs to be in place to achieve food hygiene and food safety in Nigeria?
I will like to firstly commend the regulatory body, NAFDAC, for doing such a great job as regards the regulatory environment. However, it is the sole responsibility of food entrepreneurs to embrace the various regulations. Food safety is bigger than personal preference and affordability. It is a major determinant of the general well-being of the nation as a whole. Health is wealth. We cannot have health without food safety. Wealth creation, productivity and economic development are affected by high rates of food borne illnesses, low life expectancy and so on.
Entrepreneurs need to create a cooperative environment rather than a forced environment. This way, both the public and private sectors can work hand-in-hand to further enhance available measures and introduce newer and more advanced measures.
What spurred you to go into the food business at such a young age?
I am the third generation of an established conventional food business. My mother runs a very sustainable food business spanning over three decades called Motrun Enterprises, a household name in the industry, which she started after working for my grandfather who also runs an established food and beverage business. Innovation and entrepreneurship requires you to collect your experiences, look within and look around then identify opportunities, build business models and create value. So I will say, a combination of prior experiences, entrepreneurial drive and financial knowledge from my degree in finance which helped identify food as a great “necessity focused investment” i.e investing in provision of food and services essential for everyday living during adverse economic times.
Tell us about some of the technologies your company have deployed to improve efficiency in logistics?
Customers can order via every mobile and online platform available on our website. We have mobile app, social media platforms, phone calls, emails and even text messages with payment options ranging from online to offline payment options aimed at eliminating procurement difficulties faced by food service businesses.
You have managed to build such a strong clientele comprising some of the top food service corporations in such a short while, how were you able to achieve this?
Right from the developmental stage of this initiative we had answered the questions of “Who” as regards the customers we planned on servicing, “What” as regards what benefits they will obtain from patronising our products and services and “How” as regards how we planned on delivering these services to our target market; including procurement, distribution and other activities of the value chain. From day one, we have worked based on our strategy and principles ensuring top notch professionalism. Once an organisation can operate this way right from initiation, you will definitely attract a great clientele and see result in due time.
Looking at the start-up ecosystem today, would you say we have grown from what it used to be?
The startup ecosystem has definitely experienced tremendous growth over the past couple of years and it is truly a great time to be an entrepreneur in Nigeria. The working demographic has really embraced entrepreneurship. This rapid increase in the number of entrepreneurs and its effect on the economy has served as a catalyst for government initiatives, financial facilities and so on. We now have so many incubators, accelerators funding programmes and so on. The quality of service has also improved as a result of stiff competition. Start-ups now have a very proactive as well as a reactive response.
Many start-ups face the challenge of funding and convincing investors their ideas are viable and sustainable, what has it been like for Mobile Coldroom?
Personally, I believe in bootstrapping as costs of starting a business are at an all time low. If a startup is able to successfully start and run operations on a small medium scale, create value and show great potential to scale it wouldn’t be such a challenge convincing investors. What better way to convince investors than presenting a financial statements and a good business plan for expansion?
Part of your strategy includes educating marketing women on the use of internet and tech devices, what has been the experience so far?
It has been a great experience. The women we meet have a great entrepreneurial drive and are always willing to learn. We are currently working on more ways to increase outreach and ensure they are not left out of the ongoing change in the food industry. They are a very key part of the food supply chain and must be well enlightened about new processes, safety measures, and also enjoy convenience and other amenities available to corporations. It is also a quota we decided to add towards changing the face and future of food markets in the country.
What are the future trends in logistics and advance storage and how is your organisation preparing for them?
There are so many future trends currently being tested most of which are renewable alternative sources of energy and fossil fuel for effective cooling systems as opposed to electricity. This is aimed at reducing running costs therefore making food cheaper and also ensuring food safety and a safer environment. We are currently following up on these developments. Our current facilities are state-of-the-art and we plan on keeping it that way, we are very prepared for the future as we believe the Nigerian food industry is the future.
