GTCO Food & Drink Festival 2026: Lagos a Global Hub for Food, Culture, and Enterprise
By Temidayo Anthony
For three vibrant days, from May 1 to 3, Lagos transformed into a melting pot of flavours, culture, and entrepreneurship as the GTCO Food and Drink Festival returned in grand style. More than just a food fair, the festival has steadily evolved into a powerful platform that connects small-scale food entrepreneurs with a massive audience, giving them visibility, access, and the opportunity to scale their businesses.
This year’s edition lived up to its reputation, drawing thousands of visitors from across Nigeria and beyond. The atmosphere was electric rows of food stalls showcasing everything from local Nigerian delicacies to continental dishes, the aroma of spices filling the air, and a steady buzz of conversations, laughter, and live entertainment. For many vendors, it wasn’t just about sales; it was about brand exposure, customer feedback, and building lasting relationships.
At the heart of the festival were the highly anticipated masterclasses, which provided a deeper, more immersive experience for attendees eager to learn from global culinary experts. Renowned chef Regina Rodrigo stood out with her compelling story one that challenged traditional culinary pathways. Born in Valencia, she shared how her unconventional journey shaped her cooking style, encouraging aspiring chefs to embrace creativity, take risks, and define their own paths in the kitchen. Her session blended storytelling with technique, leaving participants both inspired and informed.
Equally captivating was Dylan Eitharong, founder of HAAWM, whose culinary philosophy is deeply rooted in Thai culture. His masterclass explored the intersection of food and heritage, emphasizing how dishes can serve as cultural narratives. Through his demonstration, attendees gained insight into the importance of authenticity, presentation, and the emotional connection food creates across cultures.
Beyond the kitchens and masterclass arenas, the festival delivered a full sensory experience. Families, friends, and tourists flocked to the venue, turning it into a social hotspot. It wasn’t uncommon to see long queues at popular stalls, food lovers documenting their experiences for social media, and first-time visitors marveling at the scale and diversity of offerings.
The event also created an informal learning ground where young entrepreneurs could observe trends, pricing strategies, and customer engagement techniques in real time.
Importantly, the festival continues to serve as a launchpad for small and medium-scale enterprises in Nigeria’s food industry. By eliminating the high cost barriers often associated with large exhibitions, it allows emerging businesses to compete alongside established brands. Many vendors have, over the years, leveraged the exposure gained at the festival to expand operations, secure partnerships, and build loyal customer bases.
Organized by Guaranty Trust Holding Company Plc, the initiative reflects a broader commitment to supporting entrepreneurship and economic development beyond traditional banking. It underscores the role of corporate institutions in fostering innovation within creative industries like food and hospitality.
As the curtains fell on the 2026 edition, one thing remained clear: the GTCO Food and Drink Festival is not just an event it is an experience, a marketplace of ideas, and a celebration of resilience and creativity. With each passing year, it continues to strengthen Lagos’s position as a leading destination for culinary excellence and cultural exchange in Africa.
