Deola Balogun pioneers food preservation innovation in Nigeria to reduce post-harvest losses and empower farmers.
Every year, Nigeria loses an estimated $2.2 billion to post-harvest losses—a crisis that affects not only food security but also the livelihoods of farmers across the country. In response, Limlim Foods Production Company has emerged with a mission to transform how agricultural produce is preserved and processed. At the centre of the company’s operations is Deola Balogun, Founder and Chief Operating Officer.
A Chartered Accountant by training, Balogun spent over two decades in corporate finance, holding leadership roles at companies such as Unilever and Cadbury, where she served as Treasurer and Head of Supply Chain Finance for West Africa. Although she once considered launching a fashion business, a growing interest in food innovation led her in a different direction. What began as a personal experiment in drying bananas received encouraging market feedback—including bulk orders and invitations to food fairs—and eventually grew into a full-scale venture.
About the brand
Founded in 2017, Limlim Foods specialises in freeze-drying—a method that removes moisture from food without compromising its nutritional value, flavour, or colour. While this method is widely used in global markets, it remains relatively uncommon in Nigeria’s agro-processing industry. Limlim Foods is one of the early adopters of this technology locally, offering a range of products that include freeze-dried fruits, vegetable powders, egg powders, and ready-to-eat pepper soup mixes.
The company’s model is rooted in local sourcing, working directly with farmers—especially women—through offtake agreements that guarantee steady demand for perishable produce. By providing a reliable processing outlet, the company helps reduce spoilage and enables farmers to earn more consistent incomes.
Limlim Foods is also part of a broader effort to reduce Nigeria’s dependence on imported food ingredients. Its freeze-dried products are additive-free, shelf-stable, and meet international standards, making them suitable not only for retail consumers but also for food manufacturers and hospitality businesses.
“We are proud to say that we do not add any preservatives whatsoever to our products. Our method of drying removes 99% of the moisture—it’s as dry as anything,” she said in an interview.
Broader involvement
Beyond her role at Limlim Foods, Balogun is active in several entrepreneurial and agricultural development networks. She is a member of the African Women Entrepreneurship Cooperative (AWEC), the Academy of Women Entrepreneurs (AWE), and the African Women Power Network (AWPN), where she mentors aspiring founders and advocates for innovation in food systems.
Limlim Foods continues to scale its operations, contributing to national efforts to reduce post-harvest losses, promote healthier food options, and strengthen local value chains.
