The GTCO Food & Drink Festival, formerly known as the GTBank Food & Drink Festival, has been a cornerstone event in Nigeria’s culinary industry since its inception in 2016. Organised by Guaranty Trust Holding Company (GTCO) Plc, this annual festival has grown into Africa’s largest culinary event, attracting food enthusiasts, entrepreneurs, and industry experts from across the continent.
A primary objective of the GTCO Food & Drink Festival is to support and promote Small and Medium-Scale Enterprises (SMEs) within the food industry. By providing a platform for these businesses to showcase their products to a diverse audience, the festival fosters growth, networking, and exposure that might otherwise be challenging to attain. The event features over 150 free retail stalls, offering vendors the opportunity to present everything from local street food to gourmet treats and fresh farm produce.
Application Process for Free Retail Stalls
Entrepreneurs and food vendors interested in participating can apply for a free retail stall through the festival’s official website. The application process typically involves completing an online registration form detailing the nature of the business and the products to be exhibited. Given the festival’s popularity and limited stall availability, early application is advisable. For instance, in previous editions, the application portal closed approximately a month before the event date. The deadline for this Application is the 1st of April 2025.
The GTCO Food & Drink Festival has consistently recorded impressive attendance figures, with over 250,000 food enthusiasts participating in recent editions. This high footfall not only reinforces the event’s popularity but also translates into significant exposure and potential sales for participating vendors. The festival’s success reflects GTCO’s commitment to promoting enterprise and creating platforms that empower local businesses.
Upcoming Edition Details
The 8th edition of the GTCO Food & Drink Festival is scheduled for May 2nd to 4th, 2025, at the GTCentre, Plot 1 Water Corporation Drive, Oniru, Victoria Island, Lagos. Attendance is free, offering an excellent opportunity for food lovers, entrepreneurs, and industry stakeholders to connect, learn, and celebrate Nigeria’s rich culinary heritage.
For more information and to apply for a free retail stall, visit the official festival website.
