Ifeyinwa Ogar is combating food waste and high grocery costs by dehydrating agro products to extend shelf life. Her brand, Roki Foods, produces affordable foodstuffs, supports local farmers, and exports Nigerian produce globally.
In Nigeria, food waste is a silent crisis. Approximately 40% of the country’s food production, which amounts to nearly 100 million tonnes annually, is lost due to poor storage, inefficient logistics, and unpredictable market conditions. This staggering loss contributes to food insecurity, impacting over 12% of Nigerians who suffer from undernourishment. It also results in economic losses of around $9 billion annually, draining vital resources and deepening poverty in the country.
Ifeyinwa Ogar saw an opportunity to change this narrative. In 2018, she transitioned from a career in commercial banking to launch Roki Foods, an agro-processing company dedicated to tackling food waste and improving food accessibility. Roki Foods extends shelf life by dehydrating vegetables and other agro products while preserving their essential nutrients, thus making food more affordable and sustainable. This business model empowers local farmers and helps middle-income families save on groceries.
Founding Roki Foods
With a degree in Psychology and a postgraduate degree in Economics, Ogar recognised a critical gap in Nigeria’s food industry. While large-scale food processing companies existed, few focused on affordability and accessibility for everyday Nigerians. This insight led to the creation of Roki Foods’s Food Bundle Network. This subscription-based model allows families to save up to 30% on grocery expenses by offering pre-packaged, long-lasting food products at discounted rates.
The idea started with just one product but has grown into a diverse portfolio of over 120 agro-food items, including spices, dried vegetables, seafood, palm oil products, and dry staple foods. Roki Foods has also emerged as a leader in spice formulation, developing over 15 varieties of organic spices used in homes and restaurants across Nigeria. The company exports to over 30 countries, supplying ethnic food stores in the US, UK, Canada, and Europe.
Economic empowerment and sustainability
Roki Foods’ impact extends beyond food preservation. It also promotes economic empowerment. The company sources its produce directly from Nigerian farmers, ensuring they receive fair prices without exploitative middlemen. This process continues to support local agriculture and encourage sustainable farming practices.
Additionally, the company is actively creating job opportunities. It employs over 20 people directly, providing them stable incomes and career growth. Through initiatives like “Garri Against Poverty,” Roki Foods has also empowered over 200 rural women farmers, giving them a sustainable source of income and economic independence.
The business has a firm foundation in quality control and dehydration techniques, ensuring its products meet global standards. This commitment to excellence has facilitated international expansion and strengthened Nigeria’s agro-export sector.
Looking ahead, Ifeyinwa Ogar is focused on scaling up production, investing in advanced food preservation technology, and expanding exports even further. She will not give up on her mission to revolutionise agro-processing in Nigeria anytime soon.
