Stakeholders to meet at Food Nigeria platform

Major stakeholders in the Nigerian and global food industry are set to parley at the Food Nigeria conference being organised by Informa Life Sciences Exhibitions from May 18 to 20.

The goal, according to the organisers, is to provide a platform for international and regional food and beverage companies to network and cultivate business ties in Nigeria. Major topics and issues including supply chain management, food technology and retail innovation will be discussed at the conferences expected to run during the event.

“The food industry is one of the best performing sectors in Nigeria. The industry has grown rapidly due to affordability and convenience. Furthermore, a fast-growing overall population and increasing urbanisation are other catalysts encouraging this growth. There is a creative and innovative entrepreneurialism on display across products ranging from noodles and diary through to processed and baked goods,” said Informa Life Sciences in a statement.

It noted that the prominence the food industry had enjoyed started from 1970s, with the establishment of Mr. Biggs, owned by UAC, which paved the way for a thriving sector that now boast of 18 main fast-food brands with over 800 stores around Nigeria, and employing over 500,000 workers as of 2014.

“The shift to fast food has been as a result of the growing purchasing power of consumers, increasing awareness of international trends and of course convenience. The food-processing sector is one of the best-performing industries in Nigeria. The sector sources products from the local and international community, and development of strong brands across various food types is now widespread. It’s this very growth in the food sector that creates a plethora of opportunity, both for local and international companies,” the statement noted.

The event will encourage interactions on sustaining best practices and global standards in the industry. Through networking, the stakeholders can share ideas that can improve their business and spur investment in the sector.

“Informa Life Sciences successfully runs seven events in Nigeria alone addressing the Nigerian economy’s requirements,” said the organisers.

More than 150 international companies are expected at the exhibition, as “the companies will represent more than 20 country pavilions welcoming an expected 6,000 attendees. The event is supported by the Association of Food Vendors in Nigeria (AFVN), the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Ogbaru Main Market Onitsha, and National Association of Supermarket Operators of Nigeria.”