Nestlé Empowers Food Vendors with Business Sustainability Training
Nestlé Nigeria’s “Business of Food” workshop trained over 2,000 food vendors in Lagos to overcome rising costs and maintain profitability. The program, which focuses on using cost-effective and nutritious ingredients, has reached nine states, offering solutions to inflation challenges. The initiative also promotes innovation and quality in food services, empowering vendors to grow sustainably.
Building Business Resilience
Nestlé Nigeria has trained over 2,000 food vendors in Lagos to help them grow and sustain their businesses despite the rising costs of operations. The training was part of the “Business of Food” workshop series, which equips participants, including canteens, grillers, and event planners, with strategies to overcome challenges such as inflation and increasing food prices. This initiative highlights the importance of building strong business foundations to stay profitable in tough economic times.
Focusing on Nutrition and Profitability
Now in its ninth edition, the workshop is designed to ensure that food vendors not only remain profitable but also maintain the nutritional value of their meals. The program has already impacted vendors across nine states in Nigeria, offering them tools and knowledge to meet their customers’ needs without cutting corners on quality. By prioritizing healthy meals, vendors can continue to attract and retain customers while fostering better eating habits in their communities.
Providing Cost-Effective Solutions
Funmi Osineye, Business Manager for Nestlé Professional in Nigeria, reiterated the company’s commitment to supporting local food vendors. She stated, “At Nestlé, we aim to empower food vendors with affordable solutions to help them thrive, even in challenging times.” The training provided insights on using cost-effective and nutritious alternatives to traditional ingredients, ensuring vendors can maintain both profitability and quality.
Education and innovation are key to thriving in challenging times. By equipping food vendors with skills and knowledge, we ensure they remain profitable and impactful.”
Encouraging Innovation
Osaretin Okao, Managing Director of Food Bizz Support Services, encouraged vendors to explore innovative ingredients and practices to stay competitive. By adopting new methods and embracing change, vendors can continue to serve their communities while strengthening their businesses. The workshop also featured a cooking competition, where participants showcased how alternative ingredients could be used to prepare delicious meals.
A Path to Sustainable Growth
Nestlé’s initiative is a timely intervention for Nigeria’s food sector, which is grappling with economic pressures. It demonstrates how education and innovation can empower food vendors to adapt to challenges, improve profitability, and maintain high nutritional standards. By attending such workshops, food vendors can build the skills needed for long-term growth and contribute to healthier communities.
Conclusion
Nestlé’s training program offers valuable lessons for food vendors across Nigeria, combining business strategies with a focus on healthy meals. By adopting these insights, vendors can thrive in a competitive market while ensuring their customers receive nutritious and affordable meals.
