Consumers and families dominated the final day of the Guaranty Trust Holding Company Plc (GTCO) Food and Drink Festival 2026, with attendees highlighting affordability, variety, and a growing culture of food exploration.

The event, held at GTCentre, brought together thousands of visitors, offering insights into how consumer demand is influencing small business performance.

First-Time Visitors Boost Demand

For many, the festival delivered on expectations.

Dapo, who attended for the first time after hearing about the event from a friend, said the experience was worth it.

“I’ve tried sushi, Indomie, burgers, everything met my expectations,” she said.

She described the prices as affordable and praised the organisation of the event.

Mixed Reactions on Pricing and Comfort

Not all feedback was entirely positive.

Dami Bolade said the overall experience was enjoyable but pointed to the weather as a challenge.

“It’s a nice experience, but the weather is quite hot compared to previous years,” he said.

On pricing, he added:

“It’s not too cheap, not too expensive rather somewhere in between. But it could be lower so people can buy more to take home.”

A Family-Friendly Experience

Beyond food, the festival continues to attract families seeking a complete outing.

David Ajayi, who attended with his wife and children, described the event as:

“A very good time out for family.”

He noted that the venue was well-organised, with clear sections for food, games, and digital experiences.

Children’s Arena Keeps Families Coming Back

For returning visitors, the children’s play area remains a major draw.

Vivian Obi said she attends regularly because of the consistent experience.

“It’s always fun, and the kids are always excited,” she said.

A Growing Annual Tradition

Damilola Ogidiolu said the festival has become part of her family routine.

“It’s an all-in-one experience from food to games, everything in one place,” she said.

Atmosphere and Appeal

Some attendees simply described the environment as inviting.

Oluwakeemi Ajetunmobi said:

“A beautiful place to be.”

Why It Matters

The festival highlights a growing shift in Nigeria’s food industry where consumer experience, affordability, and accessibility are shaping demand.

For small businesses, this demand translates into opportunities for growth, visibility, and long-term customer relationships.

GTCO’s Enterprise Vision

The Group Chief Executive Officer of GTCO, Segun Agbaje, said the initiative is designed to support entrepreneurs beyond the event itself.

“By providing hundreds of food entrepreneurs with free retail platforms and access to a wider audience, we continue to create opportunities for growth, visibility, and long-term impact.”

What’s Next

As the festival concludes, attention shifts to how businesses will convert exposure into sustained growth, and whether consumers will continue to support the brands they discovered.

Promasidor Nigeria has marked Workers’ Day 2026 by recognising employees and retirees, highlighting their role in driving the company’s growth and wider economic impact.

The fast-moving consumer goods firm said its workforce remains the “foundation” of its success, as it reaffirmed a commitment to employee welfare and long-term development.

At a company event attended by staff, retirees and their families, workers with between 10 and 25 years of service were honoured, alongside employees who retired in 2026.

The celebration comes as organisations across Nigeria face growing pressure to balance productivity with employee wellbeing in a changing workplace environment.

“Our growth depends on our people”

Speaking at the event, Promasidor Nigeria’s Chief Executive Officer, François Gillet, praised staff for their resilience and commitment.

“Today is about celebrating our people the individuals whose dedication and passion continue to move this company forward. Our growth and success over the years have only been possible because of the talent, hard work, and shared purpose of our employees,” he said.

He added that companies must adapt to changing workplace realities.

“As workplace realities continue to change, it is important that organisations continue to invest in their people, support their wellbeing, and create opportunities for growth. At Promasidor Nigeria, we remain committed to building a culture where every employee feels respected, empowered, and motivated to succeed.”

Why it matters

Workers’ Day, also known as International Workers’ Day, is often used by companies to reflect on labour practices and workforce welfare.

For Nigeria’s FMCG sector, where competition is intense and margins can be tight, employee retention and motivation are seen as critical to sustaining growth.

Industry analysts say companies that invest in workplace culture often benefit from higher productivity and brand loyalty.

Beyond the workplace: Local economic impact

Promasidor also highlighted its investment in Nigeria’s dairy value chain, particularly the Ikun Dairy Farm in Ekiti State.

The facility described by the company as the country’s largest dairy farm has more than 750 cattle and supports over 200 direct jobs, with more than 1,000 indirect roles in the surrounding community.

Experts say such investments are significant in a country that still relies heavily on imported dairy products, as they help boost local production and reduce dependency on imports.

Industry perspective

Labour and business experts note that employee-focused initiatives are increasingly shaping corporate reputation in Nigeria.

They say firms that combine staff welfare with community investment are more likely to build long-term trust with both employees and consumers.

Products and market presence

Promasidor Nigeria’s brands including Cowbell Milk, Loya Milk, Onga, Kremela, Miksi, Twisco and Top Tea are widely consumed across the country.

The company says its broader goal remains improving access to nutrition while supporting local economic development.

What’s next

As Nigeria’s economy evolves, companies are expected to place greater emphasis on workforce wellbeing, skills development and local sourcing.

For Promasidor, analysts say the challenge will be maintaining this balance while expanding production and navigating rising operating costs.

Rite Foods Limited has marked International Workers’ Day 2026 by celebrating its workforce and reaffirming its commitment to employee welfare and development.

The Nigerian food and beverage company said the annual event highlights the role workers play in driving innovation, productivity, and long-term business success.

This year’s theme, “Empowering Workers in a Changing World,” reflects growing conversations around workplace conditions, employee wellbeing, and the future of work.

Why it matters

Labour experts say companies that invest in workers’ welfare often see improved productivity and stronger brand loyalty.

In Nigeria’s competitive manufacturing sector, where firms face rising costs and shifting consumer demand, employee motivation is increasingly seen as a key driver of growth.

Rite Foods said its approach centres on creating a workplace where employees feel “valued, supported, and inspired.”

What the company said

The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Rite Foods Limited, Seleem Adegunwa, said the company’s achievements are tied to its workforce.

“The dedication of our workforce is central to our growth as a company. Every day, our people show up with a strong sense of responsibility and passion in what they do. Workers’ Day allows us to appreciate their efforts and reaffirm our commitment to creating the right environment for them to thrive.”

He added that the company’s philosophy goes beyond product quality.

“At Rite Foods, we believe that when people feel respected and empowered, they give their best. That belief continues to shape our culture, leadership, and growth as a proudly Nigerian brand.”

Industry perspective

Across Nigeria, companies are under pressure to improve workplace standards as employees demand better pay, flexibility, and career growth.

Human resource analysts note that recognition events like Workers’ Day can boost morale, but sustained policies such as training, fair compensation, and safe working conditions are what make lasting impact.

Inside Rite Foods’ operations

Rite Foods said it continues to invest in its workforce across production, distribution, and corporate divisions.

The company’s product portfolio includes brands such as Bigi soft drinks, Fearless energy drinks, and Sosa fruit drinks—products it says are powered by the “collective effort” of its employees.

Ekuma Eze, Head of Corporate Affairs and Sustainability, emphasised the importance of teamwork.

“It is important to celebrate the people who make the work possible. Beyond the products, it is the commitment of our teams that helps us continue to deliver value to Nigerians. We remain focused on building a culture that respects people, encourages growth, and rewards excellence.”

What’s next

Rite Foods says it plans to strengthen workplace policies and expand opportunities for employee growth as industries continue to evolve.

The company added that ensuring workers find “purpose, growth, and opportunity” will remain central to its long-term strategy.