West Africa Food, Beverages Exhibition: Boosting Capacity, Knowledge of Nigerian Food Manufacturers

The Exhibition Manager, Food and Beverage West Africa (FABWA), Mr. Brad Smith, has stated that the conference is proving to be more than just a trade show, as it is becoming a vital hub for local manufacturers to sharpen their skills and deepen their expertise for presentation on the international front.

Smith noted that as a business gathering, the annual event plays a crucial role in enhancing the knowledge and technical abilities of local food and beverage producers, ultimately contributing to the nation’s industrial development. The presence of over 350 companies from across 50 countries offers local manufacturers unparalleled exposure to cutting-edge technologies, new product innovations, and international best practices.

“Boosting the economy of Nigeria depends on a lot of factors, part of which is the development, and production of new products,” Smith stated. “That is why for many years, we have been bringing manufacturers together through our exhibition to exchange ideas, seek new ways of product design, and understand the market demands, through opportunities for partnership and growth,” he remarked.

The presence of over 350 companies from across 50 countries offers local manufacturers unparalleled exposure to cutting-edge technologies, new product innovations, and international best practices. This direct engagement is a powerful driver for improving the technical capabilities of local firms, allowing them to refine their production processes and meet global standards.

An exhibitor at this year’s event, Immanuel Linggal, echoing Smith’s sentiment, highlighted that Nigeria has a “huge market with vast opportunities and economic partnership.” He noted that many countries, including his own, are eager to cultivate the market, exploring avenues for joint ventures with Nigerian companies to expand market access and product penetration, often involving the sharing of production techniques and expertise.

Another exhibitor, Chirajit Pakrasi from Venus Processing and Packaging, whose brand, Simpli, manufactures frozen foods like yam fries and plantains in Nigeria and exports them globally, found the conference invaluable for “product demonstration in the agricultural value chain.”

Their participation not only connects farmers with manufacturers and consumers but also provides a platform to exchange best practices in processing and packaging, directly benefiting local capabilities.

Furthermore, with over 6,000 attendees, the event offered a rich environment for gathering market intelligence. Local manufacturers can learn about evolving consumer preferences, identify product gaps, and understand the competitive landscape.

CEO of financial technology firm, Klak,
Seun Ayegbusi, noted that the conference provides a “window to unlock efficiency in streamlining payments for transactions that cut across international boundaries,” showcasing how supporting services contribute to a more sophisticated business environment for local producers.

Smith, while reiterating FABWA’s commitment to supporting indigenous companies stated that by continuously attracting manufacturers, distributors, investors, and consumers, FABWA aims to foster a vibrant ecosystem that promotes innovation and technical advancement within Nigeria’s food and beverage sector.

“This has brought about different product scopes and innovations,” Smith remarked. “FABWA will attract the attention of the Nigerian government to further develop this value chain, ensuring that local manufacturers are equipped with the knowledge and technical abilities to thrive in a competitive global market.”