Lagos’ Victoria Island recently came alive with bustling traffic during the 8th edition of the GTCO Food and Drink Festival, a renowned event celebrated as Africa’s largest food and drink festival. Over the span of three days, people from diverse backgrounds gathered to indulge in the culinary delights at the vibrant festival.
The event showcased a variety of cuisines, including both local and international dishes, drinks, and snacks. Attendees could explore an impressive range of offerings such as cocktails, mocktails, handy snacks, street foods, packaged goods, and fresh beverages like palm wine. From 36 vendors serving ready-to-eat meals like smoky jollof rice to over 33 exhibitors offering a wide array of refreshing beverages, the festival had something to satisfy every craving.
Street foods were also a major highlight, with 29 vendors offering local favorites like abacha, grilled meats, suya, roasted plantains, and more. Restaurants like Chi Tang Twinwaters and Out of the Box Restaurant, along with 19 exhibitors of dry and packaged goods such as Farm and Spice and Eden’s Honey, added even more variety to the festival’s menu.
A Platform for Small Business Growth
Organized by Guaranty Trust Holding Company (GTCO), the festival has evolved into a key platform for Nigeria’s growing small businesses in the food sector. For the past seven years, this event has not only attracted millions of attendees but has also empowered food entrepreneurs through masterclasses and networking opportunities, helping them propel their businesses to new heights.
“We believe in the power of food to tell a story,” said Segun Agbaje, GTCO’s CEO. “Food brings us together, celebrating our traditions while creating opportunities for the future.” Agbaje emphasized that the festival is more than just about food; it’s a celebration of culture and community, where small businesses can grow into household names.
He added, “At the GTCO Food and Drink Festival, we provide a vibrant, commercially viable space for small businesses to thrive. Here, everyone feels at home, and every small business has the chance to shine.”
Success Stories of Entrepreneurs
The festival has had a transformative impact on several local businesses. Chinonso Celestine, from Eves Organics, which specializes in organic drinks like juices and smoothies, shared how participating in the event had helped expand her business. “In the past two years, we’ve seen a significant growth in orders, including home deliveries, which we didn’t have before,” Celestine said. “This platform has been invaluable in helping us reach more customers.”
Another success story came from Mama, a vendor known for her roasted yams, potatoes, plantains, and fish. Mama, who has participated in the festival multiple times, shared that her sales have skyrocketed, with much higher sales than she typically sees in her small street corner stall. “The festival has helped me save money and support my children’s education,” she explained, proudly working alongside her sons at the event.
At the Gourmet Twist stall, which offers classic and exotic breads, the overwhelming crowd was evidence of the event’s success. The stall’s manager expressed gratitude for the visibility the festival provided, saying it has greatly boosted sales. “This opportunity has been a game-changer for us,” she noted.
A Fun-Filled Experience for All
The GTCO Food and Drink Festival isn’t just about food and business. It also features activities for children, making it an event for all ages. Workshops, masterclasses, and networking sessions are an integral part of the festival, offering valuable insights from renowned chefs and experts. Chef Tamara Patterson, for example, taught attendees how to prepare dishes like Jambalaya rice in one of the many culinary workshops.
In one of the masterclasses, Chef Tilly demonstrated how African flavors can be used for a healthier lifestyle. She emphasized the nutritional benefits of food, sharing her personal experience of using food to heal her body.
Price Points and Consumer Feedback
While the festival offered an exciting range of products, prices varied across the stalls. Some vendors provided reasonably priced items, while others sold goods at a slightly higher rate than what consumers might find in local malls. For instance, Ronke, who attended the festival with her sisters, found that snacks like popcorn were priced at N1,500 at the event, compared to N2,000 in the mall, making it a more affordable option for some attendees.
