At the esteemed CNBC’s Africa All Africa Business Leaders Awards (AABLA) in South Africa, BUA Foods Plc—the manufacturer of IRS Pasta, BUA Sugar, IRS Flour, and BUA Rice—was named the 2024 Company of the Year.
In the 12-year history of AABLA, Africa’s largest premier business award known for recognizing exceptional achievers in the continent’s business environment, BUA Foods has achieved a historic victory by being the first Nigerian organization to win the Company of the Year title. The award was given just hours before BUA Foods was recognized as the 2024 BrandCom Award’s “Most Valuable Indigenous Food Company” in Lagos State. Additionally, in late September 2024, Media Consortium recognized IRS Premium Wheat Flour as the “Premium Brand of the Year,” and Marketing Edge named BUA Foods the “Customer-centric FMCG Corporate Brand of the Year.”
The top Nigerian food company claims that the honors recognize its noteworthy contributions to the continent’s food industry, dedication to sustainable growth, and beneficial effects.
In his acceptance address at the AABLA award in South Africa, Engr. Ayodele Abioye (Ph.D.), Managing Director of BUA Foods, stated that the prize is not only for BUA Foods but also for the entire African food business.
According to a Sunday statement from BUA Foods available to Engr. Abioye said: “We are deeply honored to be acknowledged as the Company of the Year. This recognition is a testament to our position as a leading force in the African food industry. We are proud to contribute to economic development and positively impact the continent.
“This award is not just for BUA Foods but for the entire African food industry. It acknowledges our collective efforts to bolster food security in the region, especially in the face of ongoing challenges.
“Just last month, we solidified our position as a global player by signing agreements with Italian and Turkish firms to expand our Pasta and Wheat production to 900,000 metric tonnes per annum and 2.5 million metric tonnes per annum respectively. This strategic move positions us to become the largest milling company in Nigeria by 2025, and ultimately Africa in the near future,” he added.
Ayodele went on to thank the award’s organizers, important stakeholders, and company staff, stating that their faith and devotion have propelled BUA Foods’ expansion.
Additionally, he restated BUA Foods’ dedication to uplifting African communities by producing and distributing food sustainably.
