FoodCo has evolved into a diversified consumer goods retailer with interests in quick service restaurants, supermarkets, manufacturing, and entertainment.

The program will expose participants to specialized courses and real-time immersion in modern retail functions and will include practical and theoretical modules in a variety of disciplines such as Audit & Finance, Retail Operations & Management, and Food Production.

Speaking at the launch, FoodCo expressed confidence that the FoodCo Retail Leadership Program will address the talent gap in Nigeria’s formal retail sector and help build capacity to drive growth and sustainability.

“As retail continues to reposition itself to meet the changing dynamics of the technological era and shifts in customer demands, there is an urgent need for operators to build capacity that adequately addresses the market’s needs,” he said.

“Given our history as one of the pioneers of modern retail in Nigeria, we understand the challenge of getting fit-for-purpose human capital to drive growth within the industry. That’s the motivation behind this program. We believe that it will be an important intervention that will help nurture the next generation of leaders for Nigeria’s formal retail industry.”

The FoodCo Retail Leadership Program is intended to give participants the job knowledge and hands-on experience they need to succeed in their retail careers while also making a positive impact in their communities. It will provide participants with a well-rounded and comprehensive experience by combining on-the-job training, mentorship, and classroom learning. Participants will also have the opportunity to network with industry experts and make valuable connections that will help them advance in their careers.

“We believe that the future of our company and the wider Nigerian formal retail industry depends on the success of the next generation of leaders. This program is an investment in that future and we are proud to offer it to young people who are eager to learn and make a difference,” XYZ said.

According to the list compiled by global financial intelligence media, Financial Times, in collaboration with consumer market and data specialists, Statista, FoodCo is Africa’s second fastest growing retail company.

FoodCo is also the only company operating within Nigeria’s organized retail sector mentioned on the list. 

In his reaction, Ade Sun-Basorun, Chief Executive Officer of FoodCo, describe the recognition as a win for the company’s staff, key stakeholders and Nigeria’s growing modern retail sector.

He said: “We are both excited and honoured at this recognition from the Financial Times. As a proudly Nigerian brand with a rich heritage stretching back 40 years, we are elated to have been able to build a sustainable business through the support and loyalty of our stakeholders including our staff, customers, investors and host communities. We are truly grateful for their support over the years.”

“Beyond building a sustainable business, we have also been passionate about contributing our quota towards growing the modern retail sector in Nigeria to make it fit for purpose and adaptable to the needs of today’s increasingly sophisticated consumer. Accordingly, this recognition is a timely reminder that even though modern retail is sub scale in Nigeria, it still has a key role to play in the evolving matrix of the continent’s consumer goods and retail ecosystem.”

Established in 1982 as a fresh fruits and vegetables store, FoodCo has evolved over the years into a diversified consumer goods company with interests in retail, quick service restaurants, manufacturing and entertainment. The company currently operates the largest supermarket chain brand in South-West Nigeria outside Lagos with 15 outlets spread across Oyo, Lagos and Ogun States.

FoodCo was adjudged the Retailer of the Year for two consecutive years at the BusinessDay Nigerian Business Leadership Awards (2020 and 2021).

It also won the award for 2020 Retailer of the Year at the Marketing Edge Brands And Advertising Excellence Awards. The company ranks among the Top 5 supermarket chain brands in Nigeria.