From one of the Masterclass Sessions

 The management of Guaranty Trust Holding Company  (GTCo) Plc, organisers of the annual GTCo Foods and Drinks Festival, has said the primary intention of the festival isnot for  the company to make profit, but  rather provide a platform for the nation’s Small and Medium Scale Enterprises, in the foods and beverages industry, showcase their products.

 

Charles Eremi of the Group’s Corporate Communications, GTCo, stated this at a  media briefing, held in Lagos, before the 2023 edition of the festival, noted  that the intention of the annual event, is also to provide the opportunity for food vendors to interact with  consumers, exchange ideas, and delve into the world of flavour and inspiration.

Interestingly, the increasing popularity of the annual GTCo Foods and Drinks Festival, among stakeholders in the nation’s culinary sector, was,  again, authenticated at this year’s edition of the event, tagged: ‘Celebration of Everything Food’, as over  200 vendors participated at the three-day event, which ended on Monday, in Lagos.

 

For instance, one of the highpoints of the 2023 edition of thee festival, which ran between Saturday, April27 and May 1, this year,  was the  expansion of the  fair facility to enable  more vendors and consumers, desirous of being a part of the event, participate.

 

Eremi had earlier explained that it was a herculean task for the screening panel to arrive at the 208 food vendors, from over 3,000 applicants, desirous of being part of the just-concluded event.

 

While activities at this year’s event actually resonated with guests, visitors and other participants, not a few of such participants however made a case for vendors at the event.

 

For instance, Mr. Adolphus  James, an adept participant had lauded the company for the provision of a platform that allows vendors and consumers to have a feel of ‘cuisines from the other sides’.

 

He identified the Master-Class sessions, availed guests at the event, as one of the greatest attractions of the food fair.

 

The banker would, however, want the organisers to go beyond the annual fair by ensuring that participants, especially food vendors, enjoy some form of institutional endorsement that they can showcase in other markets.

 

“The Master-Classes coming from experts, around the globe, are eye-openers to the art and science of food. Honestly, it’s another opportunity to see what  it feels like, regarding cuisines, on the other side.

 

“But besides showcasing their products and interacting with customers and potential customers, I think GTCo should be thinking of giving businesses participating in the annual festival some endorsements they can showcase elsewhere. It could be in form of a certificate that can be hung in their offices. Such endorsement will go a long way in separating the wheat from the chaff in the industry,” he added.