As part of its activities in impacting lives and fostering businesses sustainability, Nestlé’s Professional, the out-of-home business arm of Nestlé Nigeria, has successfully empowered over 200 female food practitioners with the relevant skills for expansion and advancement of their businesses.
This capacity building session was held at the 10th edition of Nestlé’s Professional Business of Food workshop in Benin. This laudable initiative, according to the good food good life company has transformed and equipped over 2,000 food businesses across Nigeria in the last three years, providing essential skills and knowledge to enhance operations, drive growth, and increase income.
Recognising their vital role in serving their communities, the workshop provided participants-industry experts, restaurant operators, seasoned chefs, culinary school students, street food vendors, caterers, and grillers; with free hands-on training in culinary techniques, menu development, customer engagement, and hygiene best practices, along with the resources necessary to thrive in their businesses.
The workshop organised in commemoration of the International Women’s Day 2025, has its theme in alignment with the celebration, “Accelerate Action” which underscores the urgent need to empower women and drive gender equality in the food industry, enabling them to take meaningful steps towards success and community impact.
Speaking at the event, Mrs Funmi Osineye, business manager for Nestlé Professional in Nigeria, stated: “Food vendors play a vital role in providing essential nutrition to their communities. Over the course of 10 editions of this workshop in various states, we have received numerous testimonials, particularly from women whose businesses have experienced significant growth. This is why as the world unites to accelerate action in creating more opportunities for women to thrive, we are excited to offer this workshop, which empowers them to build sustainable businesses and enhance their impact in this vital sector. Additionally, we aim to foster networking opportunities that enable women to forge valuable business connections and collaborations.”
For the first time in the series, this edition included a panel discussion with prominent figures in the food industry, including Princess Esther Eruanga, deputy director of the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, Edo State and Dame Joy Ozigbo Ideh, founder of Edo Caterers and managing director of 70’s Grill Caterers, shared their inspiring journeys and offered actionable insights on overcoming challenges in the sector.
Another major highlight of the event was a masterclass hosted by celebrity Chef Vivian, managing director of Wedding and Things Events, which showcased practical skills and techniques designed to enhance the participants’ business operations. Feedback from attendees indicated significant improvements in their understanding of essential business practices, paving the way for better service delivery and increased sales.
Adai Favour from Caviar Culinary Art Schools stated, “I really learned a lot during the panel discussions from the professionals. This experience will help me when I start my own food kitchen in the future.”
The event not only celebrated the achievements of women in the food industry but also reinforced Nestlé Professional’s commitment to fostering an inclusive environment where women can thrive. Through initiatives like the Business of Food workshop, Nestlé continues to support and empower entrepreneurs in building successful businesses.
With a heritage of more than 63 years in Nigeria and its house-hold brands, Nestlé’s continues to ensure the availability and accessibility of nutritious food and beverage products. Additionally, the firm supports the communities closest to its operations and takes action to safeguard the environment through sustainable business practices.
It boasts of over 2,300 direct employees, 3 factories and 7 branch offices across Nigeria, as it produces and markets iconic brands including Maggi, Milo, Golden Morn, Nestlé Pure Life and Cerelac.
