Tag: PepsiCo

  • Glovo Retail Media Day: Experts highlight massive growth potential in global retail ecosystem

    Glovo Retail Media Day: Experts highlight massive growth potential in global retail ecosystem

    Experts in the Q-commerce ecosystem, including Glovo, have highlighted significant growth potential in the global retail sector.

    This was part of the submissions made by speakers at the recent annual Retail Media Day hosted by Glovo in Barcelona.

    The event featured a wide-ranging discussion from industry experts on major industry trends and developments, including Glovo’s growth plans for the coming months.

    According to a report from IAB Europe’s Retail & Commerce Media Committee, 2026 is expected to be a defining year for retail and commerce media across Europe, driven by increased investment, AI-enhanced personalization, and growing demand for clearer measurement standards.

    Leading the discussion, Glovo co-founder, Sacha Michaud, explained that retail media is becoming an increasingly core pillar of the modern digital advertising ecosystem, with advertisers now seeking more accountable, commerce-led media strategies.

    “People realize that they can order from local stores through Glovo, a snowball effect will happen: we will become top of mind,” he said.

    In a joint presentation delivered by trio of Connie Kwok (VP of Q-commerce), Alex Menal (VP of Marketing), and Victor Roca (Director of Ads Product and Retail Media), they discussed Glovo’s approach to strategic themes such as product, customer understanding, and Q-commerce leadership while presenting the new value proposition for brands to advertise through four new in-app advertising opportunities: segmentation, direct links, video stories, and product cross-sell.

    One of the presenters, Kwok, who leads Q-commerce for one of the leading global companies driving industry innovation, defined Glovo’s value proposition as providing ultimate convenience and choice, stating that “having the mall in your pocket” is the final goal.

    Speaking during the session, Menal highlighted how Glovo has successfully marketed itself to customers worldwide, positioning itself as a global leader in Q-Commerce.

    He shared a very ambitious vision of how Q-Commerce could equal the value that Food currently provides to Glovo’s business, based on its growing run rate, new feature opportunities, and AI applications.

    Also speaking, founder of Adcelerator and the former CEO of Publicis Group, Andrea Di Fonzo, said experience was needed in scaling complex service platforms and driving sustained growth for companies in the retail sector.

    Fonzo stated that brands have to ensure their advertising is placed in places they don’t know, because if they only communicate in the stages they know, they will miss out on a whole new set of audiences looking elsewhere.

    He further noted that in this era of messy communications, platforms like Glovo offer a massive opportunity for brands, as they can rent a virtual space with millions of customers looking in the right place, at exactly the right time: when customers are ready to purchase.

    In the closing session, Roca and Anaut underscored the significant role Glovo played in helping brands like Heineken, PepsiCo, and Revolut grow exponentially through tailored, smart in-app and off-app media placements.

    In recent years, Glovo has partnered with retail industry giants such as Coca-Cola, Nestlé, PepsiCo, Red Bull, Unilever, and more, helping them maximize their retail media strategies.

  • PepsiCo Foods Nigeria Appoints Felix Nnamdi Enwemadu as General Manager for its Foods Business Opens New Corporate Office in Ikeja, Lagos

    PepsiCo Foods Nigeria Appoints Felix Nnamdi Enwemadu as General Manager for its Foods Business Opens New Corporate Office in Ikeja, Lagos

    PepsiCo announced the appointment of Felix Nnamdi Enwemadu as the new General Manager of its Foods business in Nigeria. This strategic move coincides with PepsiCo’s commitment to invest in the Nigerian market, highlighted by the recent opening of a state-of-the-art corporate office in Ikeja, Lagos. 

    PepsiCo Foods Nigeria Limited (PFNL) has established a strong presence in the country, significantly contributing to the local market under Felix’s oversight. This division includes key product lines such as oats and sausage rolls, with operations based in Matori, Lagos. The PFNL facility specializes in oats production, with the Quaker brand recognized as a nutritious breakfast choice for families across the country, while sausage rolls are produced under the popular Yum Yum brand through Food Concepts Pioneer Limited. 

    “As I assume this role, I’m thrilled to lead a dedicated team committed to delivering high quality products that resonate deeply with our Nigerian consumers,” said Felix Nnamdi Enwemadu, General Manager (Foods), PepsiCo in Nigeria. “The inauguration of our new Ikeja office underscores our commitment to strengthening local sourcing and enhancing our overall impact in the region.”

    Paul Andersen, CEO of PepsiCo West, Central and East Africa (WECA), said, “With over two decades of proven experience in the West African FMCG market, Felix brings a wealth of expertise to PepsiCo. His deep understanding of the Nigerian consumer landscape, coupled with strong leadership skills, will be instrumental in driving the company’s continued growth and success in the market.”

  • The Pamoja Founders Project Awards $90,000 Seed Grants to Six Food Security Champions in Africa including Dr. Akpem Terese Shadrach from Nigeria

    The Pamoja Founders Project Awards $90,000 Seed Grants to Six Food Security Champions in Africa including Dr. Akpem Terese Shadrach from Nigeria

    Winning entrepreneurs from Ethiopia, Nigeria, Mozambique, Uganda, and Kenya each awarded $15,000 seed grants to address food security challenges in West, East, and Central Africa, backed by IREX, the PepsiCo Foundation, and PepsiCo

     The Pamoja Founders Project, a collaborative regional leadership development program by IREX, the PepsiCo Foundation, and PepsiCo has granted $15,000 each to six leading African enterprises as catalytic support. The announcement followed a competitive pitch competition held in Nairobi, Kenya, post a four-day boot camp for the Pamoja entrepreneurs. The winning enterprises, led by passionate young innovators, address critical food security challenges in their respective countries:

    The catalytic grants, valued at $15,000 each, were awarded to:

    ·       Abdul de Almeida, Co-Founder, Crimas, Orza and FAE; Mozambique

    ·       Juliet Namwanje, Founder, Ziimba; Uganda

    ·       Brendah Nantongo, Founder, Veathari Ventures Limited; Uganda

    ·       Elizabeth Okullow, Founder, Agriboom; Kenya

    ·       Dr. Akpem Terese Shadrach, Founder, Vet Konect; Nigeria

    ·       Nathnael Tadesse, Founder & CEO, Senaryo Trading, PLC; Ethiopia

    The Pamoja Founders Project provides comprehensive training, mentorship, and networking opportunities to equip young entrepreneurs with the skills and resources needed to scale their ventures. The champions represent the diverse landscape of food security solutions across Kenya, Uganda, Ethiopia, Tanzania, Mozambique, and Nigeria.

    The closing ceremony featured distinguished guests including representatives from IREX, the PepsiCo Foundation, and PepsiCo; H.E. Hon. Governor Sakaja Johnson, Governor of Nairobi City County, Kenya; United States Embassy officials; and prominent figures from the business and social impact sectors. Their presence underscored the importance of multi-stakeholder collaboration in addressing food security challenges across West, East and Central Africa.

    “We are here to celebrate and acknowledge the entrepreneurial spirits and journeys of the inaugural cohort of the Pamoja Founders Project,” said George Kogolla, IREX’s Country Director for Kenya and East Africa. “We also celebrate IREX and PepsiCo’s shared commitment to investing in promising young African leaders across the continent. As IREX marks 10 years of administering the U.S. Department of State’s Mandela Washington Fellowship, Pamoja exemplifies our continued support for alumni of such programs and their innovative solutions for Africa’s challenges.”

    “‘Pamoja’ is a Swahili word that means ‘together.’ At the PepsiCo Foundation we believe no single entity can solve an issue alone – working together with our partners and the communities we serve is key to ensuring our solutions are locally tailored for lasting impact.” C.D. Glin, President of the PepsiCo Foundation & Global Head of Social Impact for PepsiCo, shared. “Pamoja Founders Project and our partnership with IREX has lifted up 12 African food and agricultural entrepreneurs through a rigorous training program, with six also receiving catalytic seed grants. I’m extremely proud of the role Pamoja Founders Project is playing in making the food system more inclusive, secure, and sustainable across Africa.”

    “This exceptional cohort exceeded our expectations with their passion, thoughtfulness, and commitment to advancing food security across Africa,” said Roshan Paul, Director of Leadership at IREX. “Pamoja has affirmed that IREX’s investment in cultivating and supporting Africa’s future leaders is paying dividends.”

     “We are committed to working with innovators and changemakers to catalyze and shape a more sustainable food system for Africa. Each of the Pamoja entrepreneurs’ ventures addressed critical challenges and we look forward to being an integral a part of their journey to further success.” said Wael Ismail, Vice President – Corporate Affairs in Africa, Middle East, and South Asia (AMESA), PepsiCo.

    IREX will support the entire cohort for the next three months as they complete the program. After the project, the Pamoja Founders will join a vibrant, supportive pan-African network of IREX alumni.

    We also honor and recognize the contributions and accomplishments of the other participants in the cohort:

    ·       Benson Abila, Founder, M-Taka; Kenya

    ·       Mafeng Dangyang, Co-Founder, Kayan Gona Agro Network; Nigeria

    ·       Emmanuel Dusabimana, Founder, Agriboom; Uganda

    ·       Nalugemwa Elizabeth, Founder, Seedloans and Kyaffe Farmers Coffee; Uganda

    ·       Abdallah Mabrouk, Founder & Executive Director, Ibukia Shambani; Tanzania

    ·       Babajide Oluwase, Co-Founder and CEO, Ecotutu; Nigeria

    Read more about the members of the inaugural cohort and their ventures here.

  • IREX, the PepsiCo Foundation and PepsiCo reveal 12 finalists for The Pamoja Founders Project

    IREX, the PepsiCo Foundation and PepsiCo reveal 12 finalists for The Pamoja Founders Project

    …Six entrepreneurs from West, East and Central Africa to receive seed funding to advance food security across the continent 

     The Pamoja Founders Project, a collaborative regional leadership development program by IREX, the PepsiCo Foundation, PepsiCo and D-Prize, has revealed 12 exceptional young entrepreneurs leading ventures that strengthen sustainable food systems across six African nations: Nigeria, Ethiopia, Mozambique, Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania. Following a rigorous 9-month training program, the top six most promising enterprises will be awarded a catalytic seed grant of USD $15,000 each, funded by the PepsiCo Foundation.

    The Pamoja Founders Project provided a comprehensive support system for its 12 cohort members, equipping them to further develop innovative and disruptive solutions that address food security challenges in Africa. Through mentorship, skill-building workshops, access to professional networks, and crucial funding opportunities, the program empowered these young entrepreneurs to scale their ventures. Over the past 9 months, the cohort has undergone personal and professional growth, equipped with essential tools to amplify their impact within their sectors and markets.

    Pamoja Founders Project cohort members are leading new ventures working at the intersection of food security, sustainable supply chains, and resilient food systems in one of six countries across West, East and Central Africa. The inaugural cohort members are:

    • Benson Abila, Founder, M-Taka; Kenya
    • Abdul de Almeida, Co-Founder, Crimas, Orza and FAE; Mozambique
    • Mafeng Dangyang, Co-Founder, Kayan Gona Agro Network; Nigeria
    • Emmanuel Dusabimana, Founder, Agriboom; Uganda
    • Nalugemwa Elizabeth, Founder, Seedloans and Kyaffe Farmers Coffee; Uganda
    • Abdallah Mabrouk, Founder & Executive Director, Ibukia Shambani; Tanzania
    • Juliet Namwanje, Founder, Ziimba; Uganda
    • Brendah Nantongo, Founder, Veathari Ventures Limited ; Uganda
    • Elizabeth Okullow, Founder, Agriboom; Kenya
    • Babajide Oluwase, Co-Founder and CEO, Ecotutu; Nigeria
    • Dr. Akpem Terese Shadrach, Founder, Vet Konect; Nigeria
    • Nathnael Tadesse, Founder & CEO, Senaryo Trading, PLC; Ethiopia

    “The journey the Pamoja fellows have been on over the past nine months – both as individuals and as a cohort – has been truly remarkable,” Roshan Paul, IREX’s Leadership Practice Director, said. “Each has excelled with the challenging curriculum, and more importantly, accelerated their venture’s trajectory to impact.”

    “The Pamoja Founders Project is giving rising food and agricultural entrepreneurs a unique opportunity to engage with industry experts, receive sector-specific coaching, access professional networks, and join a vibrant community of like-minded entrepreneurs,” C.D. Glin, President of the PepsiCo Foundation & Global Head of Social Impact for PepsiCo, shared. “What makes this program different from other accelerators is the backing of one of world’s leading food and beverage companies and a renowned global NGO committed to catalyzing sustained connections and shared learning experiences that will ultimately fuel pathways to prosperity for these leaders and their communities. The Pamoja Founders Project is an investment in a more food secure and resilient future for Africa.” 

    Paul Andersen, CEO of PepsiCo West, East, and Central Africa (WECA).

    “Africa’s food security challenges demand innovation,” says Paul Andersen, CEO of PepsiCo West, East, and Central Africa (WECA). “The Pamoja Founders Project marks PepsiCo’s first program for young African agripreneurs, aligning with our PepsiCo Positive vision for a sustainable food system. By empowering these future leaders, we’re building a more resilient food future for Africa.”

  • Akada Children’s Book Festival to Highlight African Stories and Authors at Fifth Edition

    event scheduled for Saturday, 23rd September 2023 at Starfield Montessori School, Lagos

    The Akada Children’s Book Festival (ACBF) will return to Lagos for its fifth year on Saturday, September 23, 2023. The festival which is the first and largest Nigerian book festival curated specifically for children will be held at the Starfield Montessori School in Lekki, Lagos. Themed “Through the Pages”, the event will spotlight a diverse lineup of authors and illustrators who are sharing their stories of Africa and their heritage, culture, and communities through children’s literature.

    The ACBF is a showcase of children’s books written by African authors or books from around the world written for a diverse audience of children. The name of the festival “Akada” was derived from the Yoruba word which means “a lover of literacy and books”. The annual event provides a visible platform for the work of indigenous authors and encourages broad public engagement in children’s books and audiences for both Nigerian and international literature.

    Speaking at the press conference to unveil the 2023 edition, Mrs Olubunmi Aboderin Talabi, renowned author and convener of the festival said, “The festival encourages the culture of reading for pleasure from an early age, and it improves access to age-appropriate, non-academic books. ACBF excels at hosting engaging activities in which families can participate together, by providing an avenue for parents, children, and teachers to discover new books. The 5th annual edition of the Akada Children’s Book Festival will showcase 41 original titles by local authors and Illustrators, approved after rigorous selection by an 8-person editorial board. Books to be featured this year range from children’s picture books for toddlers to chapter books for teens, and the festival allows those books to be read and talked about.

    The ACBF is a valuable resource for children, parents, and educators. The festival provides a unique opportunity for children to meet their favourite authors, learn about different cultures, and explore the world of books. The festival will feature a variety of activities, including author-led book readings, book chats, featured books, story time, book exhibitions, a chess tournament, a sip n paint, an art exhibition, a young authors’ spotlight, insightful sessions for parents and teachers, and professional workshops for writers, illustrators, and publishers.

    The ACBF also offers a variety of workshops and sessions that can help children develop their literacy and technical skills. These will include sessions led by expert voices such as Abiola Bashorun, Author, “Learning How to Learn in A-to-Z Ways”; Busola Dakolo, Photographer; Titilola Vivour-Adeniyi, Executive Secretary, Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency; Ifedolapo Peter-Ajakaiye, Author, Money Matters; Enimien Inegbedion, Founder, Arcadia Montessori; and Zeal Akaraiwe, CEO, Graeme Blaque Group.

    Noma Sodipo, Author of A Pre-School Alphabet Book, one of the featured books in this year’s edition underpinned the importance of the festival for early childhood education, saying “Young children need to be inspired to use their imagination and their senses. Books are very important, especially colourful books, during children’s early years. When they hold a book, turn the pages, and read, they are learning important motor, social, and emotional skills.

    It is a thing of joy to see more homemade Nigerian stories because not a lot of people tell our stories”, Dara Oluwatoye, media personality and host of the 2023 edition of the festival, further highlighted.  “When you increase access to books and stories that children can relate to, where their reality is reflected, they become more engaged. Introducing certain topics like money, manners, and communication skills through the books, where they see a version of themselves, they’ll be able to replicate such behaviour in real life.

    With free admission, the festival is a great opportunity for parents and educators to learn about the importance of reading and writing African stories for children; and is an opportunity for children to learn about African stories and authors. A must-attend event for everyone who cares about children’s literacy, the ACBF is supported by IweMi, PepsiCo, Cool FM, Leadway Assurance, STEM-METS, The Learning Place, Parkview International Kindergarten School, and the Nurturing Tree Nursery School.

  • Exclusive Chat with Chef Millie Peartree at the GTCO Food and Drink Festival

    Exclusive Chat with Chef Millie Peartree at the GTCO Food and Drink Festival

    Chef Millie Peartree, known as the “Queen of Repurpose”, is a Bronx-based, world-renowned chef, taste-maker, and restaurateur who has spent the last decade perfecting her craft. It wasn’t until she entered her first baking contest that she realized her baking (and now culinary) talent would evolve into a successful and innovative culinary enterprise. Millie has a knack for creating unconventional tasting menus and experiential activations using well-known products not often considered cooking ingredients. With the ability to cook for many consumers, her talents lend themselves well to on-site activation demos, tastings, sampling, and branding opportunities. She has worked with some of the nation and world’s most widely recognized brands and celebrities, including MLB, Rolex, PepsiCo, Jay-Z & Beyonce, MTV, Delta Airlines, NY Mets, Alicia Keys, Dole, Band-aid and many more.

    She was one of the facilitators of the Masterclass at the 2023 GTCO Food and Drink Fair in Lagos, Nigeria. Our team had a chat with her, please find below excerpt-

    NW: How did you start this business?

    CMP: I started my culinary career. It was shortly after my mom passed away. And it was more transitional to continue to create memories that my mom made with me and that I did with my little brothers and sisters. So from there, it just skyrocketed. And I feel like it’s a blessing to be able to do what you love. So I’m really excited that I can continue my journey through cooking.

    NW: What made you actually choose soul food as your area of expertise and not any other type of cuisine?

    CMP: Well, I chose the area of soul food because- number one, it is part of my culture, my heritage, and what I grew up eating. But most importantly, I wanted to continue to create those happy memories through food and pretty much in remembrance of my mom. So it just only felt natural. So I cook and serve the food that I know. And with that, I bring her in spirit every time I make one of her dishes.

    NW: What was your most Creative challenge thus far?

    CMP: The creative towels are one of my most creative challenges, or one of my hardest obstacles, per se, or I created an event for a rapper named Young Jeezy. And we were at the venue, and the stove didn’t work. So instantly, I had to use someone’s stove in an apartment. Luckily, it was in a building where people live. And you know, you have to work on instinct sometimes, when you’re hired to do a service, you know, you have to show up and get the job done. Like nobody really cares what doesn’t go on. They just know that they want their job done. That was one of those situations where I had to be the most instinctive and it worked out for the best.

    Listening to the audience with rapt attention

    NW: As a first-time visitor to Nigeria, what inspired you to try Nigerian okra in your recipe, as you showed us during the Masterclass?

    CMP: Well, I grew up eating okra. So the first time I actually had fried okra was at a gas station in Beaufort, South Carolina, I was going to visit my aunt. And in the States, we have gas station favourites and street food. And in New York, our gas station favourites, I like hot dogs. And that was the first time I actually had it. But my mom made it all the time, she made a southern version of okra and tomatoes, which is more sautéed with just peppers and onions, and we ate it over rice. So it was only natural for me to take another recipe and recreate it into something that I wanted to again and remember it’s of the recipe so my mom made in my household growing up. I have not had the Nigerian okra Soup. However, I’m going to try it before I leave.

    NW: What Nigerian delicacy have you tasted since you arrived that you have never tasted before?

    CMP: Well, one of the things I had here so far that I’ve never had before I’ve had the snails, which was a delicacy like we call it and it was very good. And it had a good ocean taste to it. So you knew it was fresh like wherever the purveyor wasn’t they got these snails from it tastes like the seas I knew it was fresh. It was absolutely delicious. This is my first time in Nigeria on the continent is Africa as a whole my first time here.