Lagos Food Fest: Entrepreneurs Feast on Opportunity, Hail GTCO's Support

Small business owners in the food and beverage sector who participated in the just-concluded GTCO Food and Drink Festival 2025 have lauded Guaranty Trust Holding Company (GTCO) and the festival organizers for providing an invaluable platform to connect with thousands of potential customers in Lagos. Many described the opportunity as a "game-changer" for their visibility and sales.

Mrs. Caroline Paul, Director of Ivory POPs and All Cookies Limited, speaking exclusively with Forensic News, emphasized the significance of the free retail stalls offered at the festival for small businesses like hers, operating across Nigeria. 

"It's huge!" she exclaimed. "For a small business, the cost of securing a prime location at an event of this scale is usually prohibitive. This free stall is an incredible platform to reach thousands of potential customers we wouldn't normally have access to. It's a game-changer for visibility and sales."

Paul further highlighted the added credibility the festival provides. "Being selected to showcase our food here adds a level of prestige to our brand. It signals to customers that we meet a certain standard, and that's invaluable for long-term growth. It's also a fantastic chance to test new products and get direct feedback from a diverse audience – priceless market research that helps us refine our offerings."

Reflecting on the impact of previous editions, Paul noted significant positive outcomes. "Last year, we saw a significant spike in online orders and catering inquiries in the months following the festival. We gained a lot of loyal customers who discovered us here. Being featured here elevated our brand image, allowing us to use the festival's recognition in our marketing, which has opened doors to other opportunities. Networking with other food entrepreneurs and potential investors has also led to valuable collaborations and partnerships that have helped us expand our operations."

Mrs. Omoyemisi Adeloja, Chief Executive Officer of Ladder Limited, echoed these sentiments, expressing her excitement about aligning with this year's "A Shared Experience" theme.

"This year, we are showcasing a modern twist on traditional Nigerian staples like Gari, yam flour, cassava flour, beans, and local flavored drinks," she explained. "It's about celebrating our heritage with innovation, offering a taste of the past reimagined for today's palate. Our drinks, made with locally sourced ingredients from different regions, highlight the unique flavors of Nigeria and the stories of the farmers – a true shared experience of our nation's bounty."

Adeloja also pointed to the collaborative spirit fostered at the festival. "We are even featuring a collaborative dish with another vendor, blending our different culinary styles to create something entirely new and representative of the diverse Lagos food scene."

Looking ahead, Adeloja expressed optimism for business growth. "We are hoping to significantly increase our sales volume over the three days. Beyond that, we are eager to connect with other businesses for potential wholesale partnerships and cross-promotional activities. For us, it's equally about brand building as it is about immediate sales. We want people to remember our name and the quality of our food. We're also actively looking for mentors and advisors within the food industry who are participating in the masterclasses and enjoying the general atmosphere – it's a great place for those connections.

Addressing the challenges of being a food entrepreneur in Nigeria, Adeloja emphasized the festival's crucial role in overcoming key hurdles. "One of the biggest challenges is access to a large customer base. The festival provides that access in a concentrated and enthusiastic environment. Building brand awareness as a small business is tough, and the visibility we get here is invaluable in overcoming that hurdle. Connecting with reliable suppliers and potential investors can also be difficult, and the festival offers a vital platform for networking and building those crucial relationships."

The overwhelming praise from participating food entrepreneurs underscores the significant impact of the GTCO Food and Drink Festival in supporting local businesses, fostering growth, and creating valuable connections within the vibrant Nigerian culinary landscape.