Tropical General Investments (TGI) Group, a leading contributor to Nigeria’s economy, demonstrated its commitment to advancing industrial food fortification and workforce nutrition at the recently held CEO Roundtable organised by the Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG).
Themed ‘Profitable Protections: The Business Advantage of Industrial Food Fortification Compliance and Workforce Nutrition,’ the event provided a strategic platform for industry leaders to discuss and share insights on the economic benefits of fortifying food products and promoting employee well-being.
Rafiat Gawat, Head of Corporate Communications at TGI, delivered a compelling presentation, shining a spotlight on WACOT Rice’s pioneering role in rice fortification in Nigeria. She proudly announced a significant milestone, with TGI’s WACOT Rice producing approximately 500kg of fortified rice last month, underscoring the company’s vital role in fortifying staple foods.
Gawat emphasised the necessity of broadening investment in food fortification beyond advocacy efforts, extending the focus to urban communities. This approach ensures that the benefits of fortified food reach all segments of the population, contributing to the prevention of malnutrition in the country.
“Beyond product innovation, our commitment to food fortification extends to work inclusion in the entire process,” stated Gawat. “TGI Group believes in the transformative power of fortified food, not only for consumers but also for our workforce. This commitment aligns with our vision of creating sustainable impact across the entire value chain and prioritising the general wellbeing of our workforce.”
Mustapha Mohammed, Head of Quality Control at TGI Group, shared valuable insights during the program, shedding light on critical aspects of food fortification. “Our rice mill in Kebbi has been selected as one of the best for the fortification of rice. To ensure the success of fortified food products, customers must perceive value. This can be achieved through customer education programs emphasizing the benefits of fortified food,” noted Mohammed.
He further stressed the importance of research and development in understanding food components and micronutrients, while highlighting the need for local testing laboratories. “If we do not have testing houses in Nigeria, the cost to test these products outside the country will significantly contribute to the product’s price, thereby making it unappealing to both the manufacturer and ultimately the consumer.”
As a conglomerate dedicated to excellence and innovation, TGI Group continues to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of the food industry in Nigeria. The NESG CEO roundtable served as a platform for TGI to emphasize its dedication to profitable protections through industrial food fortification and the promotion of workforce nutrition.
Tropical General Investments (TGI) Group is a global conglomerate with most of its investments in emerging markets. TGI’s investments focus on driving inclusivity and value addition using locally sourced raw materials, state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities and a highly skilled workforce to produce world-class products consumed locally and exported to global markets. TGI Group is the parent company of WACOT Rice, CORMART, and CHI Farms, among others.