Nestlé Professional Empowers Food Vendors

Nestle Professional, the Out-of-Home business arm of Nestle Nigeria Plc, has extended its flagship Business of Food workshop series to Bauchi State. The series has empowered over 250 food vendors, canteen operators, grillers, and caterers with vital culinary and business skills to thrive in Nigeria’s growing food service sector.

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 nutritious meals prepared to the highest hygiene standards.

Designed in response to the challenges operators face in Nigeria’s vibrant but highly competitive foodservice sector, the program blends hands-on culinary training, business management insights, and peer-to-peer networking. Since its launch, it has reached more than 2,600 food vendors in 11 states, helping them enhance their menus, grow customer loyalty, and improve their livelihoods.

Speaking at the event, Nestle Professional Nigeria’s business manager, Ibraheem Awelenje, stated, “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, which excites us. We are investing in businesses that feed families, create jobs, and preserve our rich culinary heritage by connecting them with practical skills, new ideas, and a network of peers. This is how we make more possible, one vendor, one community at a time.”

Held with the Bauchi State Association of Caterers and Food Vendors, the workshop featured practical menu planning, hygiene, pricing, customer service, and food styling sessions.

Also, Justina Stephen a participant in the workshop and head cook and managing director of Justfine Restaurants said, “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 plan my menu better and even price my meals to increase my profit. It has been a very good experience.”

By deepening its investment in local food ecosystems, Nestle Professional continues 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 the 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,” added Awelenje.