100 local, international firms expected at Food West Africa

Informa Life Sciences Exhibitions, a leading publishing and exhibitions company, has returned with the 3rd edition of Food West Africa – the largest B2B food and beverage industry platform in West Africa.

The event, which will take place at Landmark Centre in Lagos, between 8 and 10 May, is expected to attract more than 4,400 industry professionals from 25 countries looking to make new wholesale, retail and food service contacts in the industry.

Food West Africa will host over 100 local and international exhibitors showcasing new F&B products, services and equipment from across the globe.

Two new country pavilions have been announced for the 2018 edition of the show – India and Pakistan. The Indian food and grocery market is the world’s sixth largest, with retail contributing 70 percent of the sales. Similarly, consumer industry growth in Pakistan is ranked number three worldwide.

The Nigerian wholesale and retail industry remains a lucrative investment opportunity on the back of a large and rising population with a rapidly increasing rate of urbanisation.

According to Ryan Sanderson, exhibition director, Food West Africa, “Nigeria’s household market is experiencing strong urbanisation, creating good opportunities for many sectors, particularly fast-moving consumer goods. Now in its third year, Food West Africa has firmly demonstrated its effectiveness as a medium for regional and international companies to raise their profile in this competitive industry sector. As well as promoting supply chain partnership, along with imports and exports, the event is a must-attend for F&B industry professionals from Nigeria and wider Western Africa looking to capitalise on the best opportunity in the industry.”

Bestway, the largest independent cash and carry operator in the United Kingdom, and supply partner to over 70,000 independent retailers and 40,000 catering and foodservice operators, has also confirmed that it will be exhibiting at Food West Africa 2018 once again. With a UK turnover of £2.5 billion and a comprehensive logistical infrastructure, the company has the scale, purchasing power and expertise to help their customers compete in an ever-changing food and drink sector.

Once again, local representation from Nigerian companies is strong with key exhibitors such as Just Food Limited, ABX Food, AgroNigeria, Graceco, and Sona Agro Allied Food Industries present for the three-day event.

Education is high on the agenda at Food West Africa 2018 with a two-day free-to-attend conference that will focus on current issues in food supply chain management.

The event continues to enjoy firm support and backing from the Association of Food Vendors in Nigeria (AFVN), the National Agency for Food and Drug (NAFDAC) and NASON.