With Nigerian rich food heritage, developing bank of F&B innovators, growing economy, and rising population growth, it will contribute to the world transformation of the food system. Although the country has potential, its market for plant-based foods kick started recently. VeggieVictory, as the first beginners, has secured a spot for itself as the country’s earliest restaurant and brand for this food system. In its most recent New Food Hub interview, NGO ProVeg International aims to have more knowledge and Nigeria’s food industry.
Founder of VeggieVictory and new director of ProVeg Nigeria, Hakeem Jimo, shared credible insights and lessons into opening the plant-based food industry of Nigeria. When asked about what it felt like to establish a first of its kind restaurant in the country, the entrepreneur of various talents stated that “it was a bit crazy”. In the last decade, the idea of veganism and vegetarianism was an entirely odd concept in the African country. Initially, it was said that vegan is similar to vegetarian, however, the latter had negative implications.
Tasty plant-based meals are not a new concept in Africa.
In today’s world, vegan has more positive connotations, and is considered healthy. When asked questions about how VeggieVictory was able to catch the fancy of diners at first, and how the brand has continued to retain consumers up till date, Hakeem stated that all they do is offer the food to people and “let it do the talking” rather than placing much emphasis on the fact that their meals are plant-based. He added that this strategy works effectively with Nigerian consumers.
To Nigerians, tasty plant-based meals are not a new concept, except for the ‘vegan’ or ‘plant-based’ label. Across Africa, there are many indigenous dishes that already exist under this food system. Hakeem added that the only difference is that no one really thought about these dishes — like beans and plantain — as vegan meals, before this period. The new director of ProVeg Nigeria, Hakeem, also emphasised the significance of cost to unlocking this growing industry in Nigeria.
Nigeria would require a different tactic to set up this industry.
Price parity is significant in Nigeria due to the fact that it is a low-purchasing market. No one can approach the country with premium products because majority of the population have a ‘catching-up’ mentality. Many people want to consume meat because many other people don’t consume it so much. Therefore, it is viewed as an inspirational thing. Resultantly, contrary to the approach employed in Western countries, Nigeria would require a different tactic to set up this industry.
Scientific research has proven that plant-based diets have many advantages. According to a 2022 review, these kind of diets include fruits, nuts, legumes, spices, vegetables, seeds, herbs, and whole grains. Consumption of these meals provide health benefits and nutrition. They provide more vitamins, phytochemicals, and minerals. Through regular intake of plant-focused meals, the body absorbs fibre — a carbohydrate which promotes adequate digestion, bowel health, and proper nutrient absorption in other foods. It also reduces total and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol.
Consumption of these meals provide many benefits.
Additionally, it provides necessary vitamins and minerals that are essential for the body. They include vitamins A, C, E, K, and folate, and minerals like phosphorus, manganese, potassium, and magnesium. These nutrients are essential to the proper functioning of the eyes, muscles, nerves, gut, immune system, heart, skin, brain, and others. They are also good sources of antioxidants, which safeguards the body from free radicals, naturally produced in the body but with the capability to cause chronic illnesses.
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Building a plant-based industry in Nigeria – The idea of veganism and vegetarianism used to be a strange concept. – Express your point of view.
Scientific research has proven that plant-based diets have many advantages. According to a 2022 review, these kind of diets include fruits, nuts, legumes, spices, vegetables, seeds, herbs, and whole grains. Consumption of these meals provide health benefits and nutrition. They provide more vitamins, phytochemicals, and minerals. Through regular intake of plant-focused meals, the body absorbs fibre — a carbohydrate which promotes adequate digestion, bowel health, and proper nutrient absorption in other foods. It also reduces total and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol.
I completely agree with you. The idea of veganism and vegetarianism used to be a strange concept in Nigeria, but I believe that we are starting to see a shift towards plant-based diets. It’s important that we continue to educate people about the benefits of a plant-based diet, and that we can provide support to those who are interested in making the transition.
It’s great to see that there are more options available for those who are interested in plant-based diets, and I hope that we can continue to build a plant-based industry in Nigeria. It’s important that we have access to affordable and nutritious food, and that we can promote sustainable and ethical practices in our food industry.
I believe that a plant-based diet can have a positive impact on our health, the environment, and animal welfare. It’s important that we work together to find solutions to our food crisis, and that we can provide support to those who are affected. I hope that we can continue to move towards a more sustainable and ethical food system, and that we can continue to make positive changes in our communities.
A plant-based diet, in my opinion, can benefit human health, the environment it will be better to support this and give all necessary thing needed to support it
In the past, Nigerians found the concepts of veganism and vegetarianism odd. But creating a plant-based sector in Nigeria will open up the country’s economy. And serve as new way we can be providing food for those are like to involve in that kind of food