As the GTCO Food and Drink Festival wrapped up another vibrant edition, the energy and enterprise it generated throughout the days lingered across Lagos. What began as a celebration of food has steadily evolved into a powerful platform for economic opportunity, cultural connection, and international visibility for Nigeria’s creative and culinary sectors.
The festival grounds were a hive of activity, bustling with vendors representing a broad spectrum of local industries — from palm oil processors and dairy-free food innovators to confectionery brands and agro-producers. For many of these small and medium-sized enterprises, GTCO’s festival has become more than an exhibition; it’s a business catalyst. The visibility afforded by the event gives local brands a stronger competitive edge and access to both local and global markets.
With thousands of attendees streaming through each day, the festival offered vendors direct access to potential customers, investors, and collaborators. Many businesses reported marked growth in their customer base, successful payment processes via both digital and physical channels, and expanding interest from international buyers. In some cases, brands were already brokering export discussions and digital platform collaborations by the end of the event — a testament to GTCO’s ability to bring serious business to the table.
Beyond commerce, the festival stood tall as a cultural bridge. It wasn’t just a gathering of food lovers; it was a dynamic melting pot of cultures and cuisines. Visitors were introduced to culinary traditions from around the world — from Indian delicacies to traditional Nigerian recipes reimagined with innovation. For some, it was a first-time journey into international cuisine, revealing the festival’s potential to spark curiosity, foster appreciation, and ignite new cultural experiences.
Masterclasses were a key highlight, featuring respected chefs and culinary leaders who shared knowledge on food trends, health-conscious recipes, and entrepreneurial insights. These sessions weren’t just educational; they were inspirational, especially for aspiring chefs, food bloggers, and small-scale foodpreneurs looking to scale their businesses.
Social media played a significant role in driving foot traffic, with platforms like TikTok and Instagram buzzing with content that showcased the festival’s atmosphere — from aesthetic food displays to engaging community experiences. This digital amplification reinforced GTCO’s savvy in creating an event that resonates across generations, particularly among youth, who found value in both economic opportunity and cultural engagement.
GTCO has once again demonstrated its unique approach to economic empowerment through cultural investment. The food and drink festival isn’t just a corporate social responsibility effort It is a well-oiled economic ecosystem. From traffic marshals and sanitation workers to digital marketers and logistics providers, the ripple effect of the festival’s economic activity extended well beyond the vendors’ stalls.
With each edition, the festival positions Nigeria not just as a country with a rich culinary tradition, but as a formidable player in global food tourism. GTCO has set a high benchmark in using food as a medium to inspire connection, boost enterprise, and promote national pride. As the curtains fall on this year’s edition, what remains is not just the memory of flavors and aromas, but the undeniable imprint of progress. One vendor, one customer, one cultural exchange at a time.
