GTCO food & drink festival 2025 returns May 2nd to 4th
GTCO food & drink festival 2025 returns May 2nd to 4th
… Africa’s largest culinary and business fair offers free stalls, masterclasses, family fun
Esther Onyegbula
The GTCO Food and Drink Festival, widely recognized as Africa’s biggest culinary gathering, is set to make a vibrant return this weekend in Lagos, transforming the city into a hub of food, culture, and entrepreneurship from Friday, May 2, to Sunday, May 4, 2025.
Taking place at Plot 1, Water Corporation Drive, Oniru, Victoria Island, the highly anticipated three-day festival will feature over 200 free vendor stalls, 11 expert-led masterclasses, a children’s play area, and an expansive lineup of street food, retail, and entertainment offerings. Gates open at 10 a.m. daily, with activities running until 10 p.m., except for Friday, which starts at 4 p.m..
Now in its eighth year, the GTCO Food and Drink Festival, hosted by Guaranty Trust Holding Company Plc (GTCO), continues to stand out not just for its scale, but for its impact. It serves as a platform for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), some of whom started from scratch, to showcase their products, engage new customers, and access growth opportunities at no cost.
According to the organisers “This festival is about more than just food. It’s a customer-centric event designed to empower entrepreneurs, provide exceptional experiences for attendees, and support local businesses with free access to an expansive marketplace.”
The event’s masterclasses will bring together renowned business owners, chefs, and industry leaders from Nigeria and abroad. Friday’s session opens at 4 p.m., while Saturday and Sunday will feature four sessions each, offering practical insights into business growth, food innovation, and customer engagement.
“We want every attendee, whether a food enthusiast, aspiring entrepreneur, or journalist, to walk away inspired and informed. These classes are packed with knowledge from people who’ve built success from the ground up,” the organizer added.
A key highlight is the family-friendly atmosphere, anchored by a dedicated children’s play area to ensure fun for all ages. Visitors can expect a rich tapestry of culinary options, from local delicacies to international flavors, alongside artisanal products and lifestyle brands.
Media representatives are especially encouraged to explore and report the festival from diverse angles, capturing stories of resilience, creativity, and transformation.
“We appreciate the media’s support over the years and encourage coverage that reflects the diversity and human stories within the event. There’s so much more than what meets the eye,” organizers urged.
The GTCO Food and Drink Festival is free to attend and has grown to become a defining showcase of Nigeria’s dynamic food culture and entrepreneurial spirit, attracting thousands of visitors each year and reinforcing GTCO’s commitment to community development and customer engagement.
