By Ayomide Otitoju
Nestlé Professional, the out-of-home business arm of Nestlé Nigeria, has extended its flagship Business of Food workshop series to Bauchi State, equipping more than 250 food vendors, canteen operators, grillers, and caterers with essential culinary and business skills to strengthen their competitiveness in Nigeria’s fast-growing foodservice sector.
Now in its 11th edition, the initiative is designed to empower micro, small, and medium-scale food vendors to run profitable, sustainable businesses while maintaining high standards of nutrition and hygiene. Since its launch, the program has reached over 2,600 food vendors across 11 states, providing hands-on culinary training, business management guidance, and peer-to-peer networking opportunities.
Speaking at the event, Ibraheem Awelenje, Business Manager, Nestlé Professional Nigeria, said the company’s vision is to see local food entrepreneurs 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’re investing in businesses that feed families, create jobs, and preserve our rich culinary heritage. This is how we make more possible, one vendor, one community at a time,” Awelenje stated.
The workshop, organized in partnership with the Bauchi State Association of Caterers and Food Vendors, featured practical sessions on menu planning, hygiene, pricing, customer service, and food styling. Participants also took part in a live Masterclass led by renowned Nigerian chef, Chef Paulina, who showcased modern twists on local delicacies, including Dafadukan Shinkafa Da Awara.
The program concluded with a cooking challenge, where participants demonstrated creativity and technical skills. Judges provided feedback on taste, plating, and presentation before recognizing outstanding performers.
One of the participants, Justina Stephen, Head Cook and Managing Director of Justfine Restaurants, expressed appreciation for the initiative.
“I am really excited about today’s program and honestly grateful to Nestlé. 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,” she said.
Through initiatives like the Business of Food workshop, Nestlé Professional reinforces its commitment to inclusive economic growth, entrepreneurship, and nutrition across Nigeria’s foodservice industry.
“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 added.
