Nestlé Professional Empowers Food Vendors in Bauchi with 11th ‘Business of Food’ Workshop

Nestlé Professional, the Out-of-Home business arm of Nestlé Nigeria, has extended
its flagship Business of Food workshop series to Bauchi State, empowering over 250
food vendors, canteen operators, grillers, and caterers with vital culinary and
business skills to thrive in Nigeria’s growing foodservice sector.
Now in its 11th edition, the Business of Food workshop is Nestlé Professional’s
platform for empowering micro, small, and medium-scale food vendors with the skills
and confidence to run profitable, sustainable businesses while serving meals that are
both nutritious and prepared to the highest hygiene standards.
Designed in response to the challenges faced by operators in Nigeria’s vibrant but
highly competitive foodservice sector, the program blends hands-on culinary training,
business management insights, and peer-to-peer networking. Since its launch, it has
reached more than 2,600 food vendors in 11 states, helping them enhance their
menus, grow customer loyalty, and improve their livelihoods.
Speaking at the event, Ibraheem Awelenje, Business Manager, Nestlé Professional
Nigeria, shared the vision behind the initiative: “Our goal is to see food vendors in
Nigeria 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.”
Held in partnership with the Bauchi State Association of Caterers and Food Vendors,
the workshop featured practical sessions on menu planning, hygiene, pricing,
customer service, and food styling. Attendees also benefited from a live Masterclass
led by renowned Nigerian chef, Chef Paulina, who demonstrated elevated
approaches to beloved local dishes such as Dafadukan Shinkafa Da Awara.
The day culminated in an exciting cooking challenge, where participants showcased
their skills and creativity. Judges provided feedback on taste, plating, and
presentation and celebrated all the winners.
Also speaking at the event, Justina Stephen a participant in the workshop and Head
Cook and Managing Director of Justfine Restaurants, shared her experience: “I am
really excited about today’s program and honestly grateful to Nestle. 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.”
By deepening its investment in local food ecosystems, Nestlé Professional continues
to champion inclusive economic growth, nutrition, and entrepreneurial resilience
across Nigeria’s foodservice landscape.
“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,” added Mr. Awelenje.