GB Foods wins award for Best Party Jollof Mix in Africa at 19th Akwaaba Travel Market 

GB Foods Nigeria, makers of Gino Tomato Paste, has bagged the award for the Best Party Jollof Mix in Africa for the year 2022/23 at the recently concluded 19th Akwaaba Travel Market.

This accomplishment coincided with the victory of Nneka Francisca Okoye, affectionately known as Chef Nikky, who emerged as the triumphant contestant in the fiercely competitive 5th edition of the Jollof Rice War.

The 3-day event, held in Lagos, was a source of immense joy for tourism enthusiasts from over 30 African countries as skilled chefs dazzled the audience with delectable Jollof Rice creations, with the secret ingredient being none other than the Gino Party Jollof Tomato Seasoning mix.

Foluke Femi-Sanda, Senior Brand Manager for Gino Tomato at GB Foods Nigeria, asserted that this award is a testament to the exceptional quality of products the brand consistently delivers to the Nigerian market. 

She further expressed the brand’s excitement and noted that this recognition will serve as a catalyst for the organization’s ongoing efforts to exceed expectations. 

She remarked, “We are elated that Gino Party Jollof Tomato Mix has been crowned the Best Party Jollof Mix in Africa at the 19th African Travel Market. 

“At GBfoods, we’ve come to appreciate the profound significance of relishing delicious cuisine. Moreover, we recognize how food can serve as a means to spotlight and strengthen our traditions, culture, roots, and the abundance of our homeland. 

“We are committed to celebrating the local flavors that define our identity and continuing to facilitate people in savoring their favorite recipes, regardless of where they are in the world.”

Reflecting on her triumph in the 5th Jollof Rice War, the emotional Nneka Francisca Okoye, who impressed the judges with her Smokey Jollof Rice and Coconut Jollof Rice, emphasized that her initial prospects were seemingly dim, as she was underestimated by others at the start of the contest. 

She conveyed her gratitude to the organizers of the 19th Akwaaba Travel Market for affording her the opportunity to showcase her culinary prowess on a global stage. 

Additionally, she extended her heartfelt appreciation to Gino Tomato Mix for the invaluable support extended to all the participating chefs throughout the event.

GBfoods, one of the global leading culinary companies, is present in more than 50 countries, mostly  in Europe and Africa; they include Spain, Italy, Germany, France, Belgium, the Netherlands, Sweden, Finland, Nigeria, Ghana, Algeria, and Senegal, among others. 

The company is known for its historical brands in each of these countries, such as Jumbo, Bama, Gallina Blanca, Erasco, Gino, Liebig, Star, D&L, Grand’Italia and Blå Band, among others. 

Some of these brands have been consumers’ favorite for more than 150 years, to the point where they are now an integral part of the local culture.