GTCO Unveils 2026 Food and Drink Festival, Showcases 204 Vendors and “Everything Food and Drink” Experience
GTCO Food and Drink Festival is set to return for its 9th edition from May 1 to May 3, 2026, in Lagos, with Guaranty Trust Holding Company Plc announcing an expanded, experience-driven programme designed to deepen culinary storytelling, boost small businesses, and reinforce its status as one of Africa’s leading food showcases.
LAGOS, NIGERIA — Guaranty Trust Holding Company Plc has announced the 2026 edition of its flagship culinary showcase, the GTCO Food and Drink Festival, themed “Everything Food and Drink.”
The three-day festival will take place at GTCentre, Oniru, Victoria Island, bringing together food entrepreneurs, culinary experts, and thousands of visitors in what has become a major cultural and economic platform.
Expanding a Cultural and Economic Platform
Now in its ninth year, the festival continues to evolve beyond a seasonal celebration into a multi-dimensional ecosystem for food innovation, entrepreneurship, and cultural exchange. This year’s theme underscores the diversity of culinary expressions—from traditional Nigerian dishes rooted in heritage to contemporary global cuisine.
Organisers say the 2026 edition will feature 204 free retail stalls, providing a significant platform for small and medium-scale food businesses alongside established brands. The initiative reinforces GTCO’s long-standing commitment to enterprise development and inclusive economic participation.
Robust Vendor Selection Amid High Demand
A key highlight of this year’s preparation is the intensive vendor selection process, which attracted over 6,000 applications, reflecting the festival’s growing influence.
To optimise participation and reduce waste, organisers have introduced a rotational system, allowing vendors to operate in shifts across the festival days. This ensures efficient inventory management while expanding access for more businesses.
Event coordinators emphasised the importance of vendor reliability and preparedness, noting that participants are expected to meet operational demands consistently. A dedicated vendor engagement team has also been deployed to provide real-time support and coordination.
Balancing Innovation with Experience
Organisers highlighted the deliberate balance between new entrants and established vendors, combining innovation with proven capacity. This approach is backed by due diligence processes, vendor briefings, and pre-event meetings designed to align expectations and improve service delivery.
Insights from previous editions and early-stage data tracking are also being utilised to guide vendor performance, demand forecasting, and logistics planning.
Rich Programme and Family-Friendly Experience
Beyond the marketplace, attendees can expect a comprehensive programme of activities, including:
Interactive masterclasses
Live cooking demonstrations
Food and wine tastings
Networking opportunities for food entrepreneurs
The festival will also maintain its reputation as a family-friendly event, featuring dedicated play areas and activities for children.
GTCO Speaks on Impact
Speaking ahead of the event, Group Chief Executive Officer, Segun Agbaje, described the festival as a reflection of the institution’s core values.
“The GTCO Food and Drink Festival has, over the years, become a living expression of what we stand for as an institution: innovation, opportunity, and enterprise that is accessible to all. It brings people together around something universal—food and drink—breaking barriers and building connections that extend far beyond the event itself.”
Growing Continental Recognition
Since its inception, the festival has attracted participants from across Nigeria and the diaspora, steadily positioning itself as one of Africa’s most prominent culinary gatherings.
Admission remains free and open to the public, underscoring its accessibility and broad appeal.
For more details, visit the official festival website.https://foodanddrink.gtcoplc.com
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