Nestlé Trains Thousands of Food Vendors, Boosts Small Businesses Across Nigeria

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Over 2,600 food vendors in 11 states have gained new skills and opportunities through Nestlé Professional’s Business of Food workshop series, an initiative designed to strengthen small food businesses and promote innovation in Nigeria’s vibrant food service industry.

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The most recent workshop took place in Bauchi State, where 250 canteen operators, caterers, and street food vendors gathered for hands-on training to refine their cooking techniques and sharpen their business knowledge.

Highlighting the vision behind the programme, Ibraheem Awelenje, Business Manager at Nestlé Professional Nigeria, said the company is determined to see local food entrepreneurs grow beyond survival mode.

“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 explained.

During the training, participants explored topics such as menu planning, food hygiene, pricing strategies, customer service, and food styling. A special masterclass by Nigerian chef Chef Paulina inspired the group with creative twists on traditional dishes like Dafadukan Shinkafa Da Awara.

The event ended with a lively cooking competition, where participants showcased their creativity and were celebrated for both taste and presentation.

For many attendees, the workshop proved transformative. Justina Stephen, Managing Director of Justfine Restaurants, expressed her excitement:

“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.”

Since its launch, the Business of Food initiative has helped food vendors improve their menus, attract loyal customers, and build more sustainable livelihoods.

Nestlé Professional reaffirmed its long-term commitment to the Nigerian food service industry, pledging to continue fostering innovation, improving nutrition, and creating income-generating opportunities for small-scale food entrepreneurs

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