The just-concluded Food and Beverage West Africa Exhibition 2025, held in Lagos, brought together a vibrant mix of local and international brands, distributors, and innovators shaping the region’s food and drink industry. With hundreds of exhibitors and thousands of visitors, the event once again reinforced its status as the leading platform for connecting food professionals and unlocking business opportunities across the continent.
Smartpreneur was live at the event, networking with entrepreneurs, exploring exciting new products, and gaining firsthand insights into the future of food and beverage in West Africa. One major highlight of our participation was engaging directly with some standout brands redefining what’s possible in their niches.
In our conversations, several innovative businesses shared their unique journeys and value propositions.
Lyfe Premium Still Water, a proudly Nigerian brand owned by Galib “7 Days” RL, stood out with its crisp, clean branding and commitment to health-focused hydration. With a focus on purity and class, Lyfe is carving out space in the competitive bottled water segment.
From Côte d’Ivoire, Siprocom showcased an impressive collection of liquors, wines, and soft drinks, founded by Abou Wilfried. The company blends African flair with international standards, offering beverages tailored to both local tastes and export ambitions.
Nigeria’s Sympli: Delicious Like Home drew crowds with its range of ready-to-cook Nigerian food products, including Straight Cut Yam Fries, Thick Cut Yam Chips, Ripe Plantain Chops, and Sweet Potato Cubes. These can be oil-fried or oven-baked, offering convenience without compromising on traditional flavors. Their approach to modernizing local cuisine for busy households and restaurants is gaining traction.
We also connected with Tasteofspice, founded by Ghana’s Korkor, offering premium quality, preservative-free spices made in Ghana. Her bold branding and commitment to authenticity and health-consciousness make Tasteofspice a rising star in the West African spice market.
Finally, TradeDepot offered a macro view of the industry, providing a platform that connects multiple businesses across the fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) sector. Their model streamlines distribution and gives small retailers better access to products and markets, an essential boost for inclusive trade.
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These brands reflect the innovation, cultural pride, and entrepreneurial resilience driving Africa’s food and beverage ecosystem forward. Whether it’s premium water, spices with heritage, or tech-enabled distribution, the energy at the exhibition was palpable.
