Omolara Olarerin is creating tech-driven solutions for healthier workplace eating.
Omolara Olarerin is a product manager and entrepreneur who established Pocketfood, an AI-enabled food management platform designed to support workplace nutrition in Nigeria. Her work focuses on applying technology to address everyday challenges faced by professionals, particularly in fast-paced urban environments.
Omolara Olarerin studied Soil Science at the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, before obtaining a Master’s degree in International Business from the University of Hertfordshire.
Over the past five years, she has worked in the FinTech, SaaS, and FoodTech sectors across Africa and Europe, gaining experience in product lifecycle management, market strategy, and user-centred design. She has also been recognised under the UK Global Talent programme for her contributions to product and business leadership.
Developing Pocketfood
Omolara Olarerin founded Pocketfood in August 2022. The company addresses the challenge corporate professionals face in securing convenient and healthy meals during their workday. Specifically in major cities like Lagos and Abuja, employees often struggle with limited food choices, leading them to select nutritionally inadequate meals or opt for time-consuming alternatives.
Pocketfood streamlines meal planning and supports organisations in managing employee nutrition more efficiently. It offers customised meal plans, including options for dietary needs such as vegetarian, gluten-free, and diabetic-friendly preferences. Meals are prepared in-house with locally sourced ingredients and delivered through the company’s network.
Pocketfood operates as an integrated web-based ecosystem connecting businesses, employees, food vendors, and delivery riders. The platform uses AI to optimise meal planning, reduce food waste, and improve logistical efficiency.
Pocketfood operates on a subscription model, providing employers with a streamlined way to manage workplace meals. This system allows employees the flexibility to customize their orders, thereby accommodating a variety of nutritional and cultural preferences while ensuring consistent meal delivery.
The company has attracted investment from firms including 500 Global and the Baobab Network. Furthermore, Pocketfood has expanded its corporate wellness portfolio through the acquisition of Balance Bowl, a digital health and wellness platform.
Impact and community reach
Since its inception, Pocketfood has reported delivering over 350,000 meals across key urban centres in Nigeria. Its services have contributed to workplace wellness initiatives, helping organisations offer more structured meal solutions and reducing the pressure employees often face in securing balanced meals.
Pocketfood not only provides a direct service but also fosters economic activity by partnering with local food vendors and delivery staff. The company plays a role in wider discussions regarding how technology can enhance access to proper nutrition and tackle food security issues in rapidly expanding urban environments.
Looking ahead, Omolara Olarerin intends to grow Pocketfood’s presence across Nigeria and into other African countries. Future development will focus on utilising advanced data analytics to improve meal personalisation and expanding programs dedicated to comprehensive employee wellness.
Her work reflects an ongoing interest in how technology can be used to address everyday needs, particularly within the workplace. The development of Pocketfood clearly shows how digital solutions can shape corporate culture and contribute to improved well-being across professional environments.
