Since October 25, 1995, when the international community officially celebrated the inaugural World Pasta Day, pasta has consistently maintained its ranking as one of the world’s most versatile food staples. Based on data supplied by Nielsen. Co, a global marketing research firm, pasta is regarded as one of the most consumed food products in the world and the industry continues to record outstanding sales growth year on year.
According
to the International Pasta Organisation (IPO), the positive consumer
sentiment towards the consumption of pasta is strengthened by the
increasing market demand for healthy meals, of which the food variety is
one because it is plant-based, energy-dense, easy to store and
distribute.
As
such, pasta consumption has been on the upward trajectory across
markets such as Asia at 8.6%, and Africa at 2.6%. The dynamic growth
trend in these two markets foreshadows the future of food consumption
among citizens of densely populated countries comprising India, Nigeria,
and Saharan Africa.
This
penchant for consuming pasta serves up a template by which
agro-processing firms should approach their markets in support of their
host governments and the efforts of the Food and Agriculture
Organisation (FAO) to improve food security.
The
positive consumption trend aligns with what Paolo Barrilla, the
President of the International Pasta Organisation (IPO) said regarding
the popularity of pasta based recipes among global consumers: “Pasta is
increasingly appreciated and valued around the world as the centre of a
delicious meal with lots of nutritional benefits. It is also accessible,
respectful of the planet, and brings people together joyfully.”
In
Nigeria, pasta is rated as one of the choice food staples. Spaghetti
and macaroni, two popular variants of pasta occupy retail shelves across
the local markets, and supermarkets. On a visit to popular local
marketplaces, from the thickly and highly trafficked consumer
marketplace such as Oke-Arin, situated on Lagos Island, to the fresh
produce market of Mile 12, alongside notable retail stores such as
Shoprite, Spar, Ebeano, Justrite, and Supersaver; the Nigerian consumers
would be seen adding one form of pasta food variety or the other to
their shopping baskets or carts.
Pasta
is a rich source of carbohydrates and contains other valuable nutrients
like micro-vitamins and fibre. The nutritional value and affordability
of Pasta has helped the category to see a surge in its consumption in
Nigeria.
A
manager at Spar, one of the popular hypermarket stores in Nigeria, was
quoted in one of the national dailies recently saying, “People are
purchasing more and more of spaghetti now. The demand for spaghetti and
macaroni is increasing. For us, demand has approximately increased in
excess of 10 per cent over the same period last year.”
Pasta
is produced from wheat and its economic contributions as part of the
wheat family is invaluable. Yearly, the wheat value chain has been
reported to add around 13 million jobs to the Nigerian economy. The
expansive milling industry; the growing demand for wheat-based foods
such as pasta; and the vast retail and transportation networks set up to
source and deliver the products to the consumers’ tables lay credence
to that claim.
Essentially,
the gastronomic and economic contributions of pasta to the wellness of
the citizens, the livelihood of the national labour force, in addition
to the Federal Government’s drive to feed a national population cannot
be underestimated. It should rather be applauded.
One of the leading manufacturers of pasta products in Nigeria is Crown Flour Mill Limited.
A
part of the Olam Grains business in Nigeria; Crown Flour Mill Limited
acquired Dangote Flour Mill and Bua Flour Mill between 2016 and 2019.
The expansive scale of production, innovative technology, and skill-set
at the disposal of the coalesced firm is a formidable asset that is
allowing the production of nourishing food at prices that consumers
across all the socio-economic cadres can afford. Precisely, this has
proven key to nourishing the stomachs of the sprawling Nigerian
populations most of who earn less than $1 a day.
As
the Federal Government continues to reinforce strategies to boost food
security, the capacity of Crown Flour Mill Limited to make vital foods
such as Pasta available at the right quality and at the most affordable
price for consumers will continue to ensure food security.
Ashish
Pande, Managing Director, Crown Flour Mill Limited, said, “Our wide
range of quality pasta brands are household brands. They are very
popular with Nigerian consumers. The consumer preferences on pasta vary
across the different regions of Nigeria. These preferences include
variations in shape, thickness and texture. Crown Flour Mills provides a
variety of pasta products to cater to each consumer’s preference. Our
technological and supply chain capabilities ensure that we provide high
quality pasta at an affordable price.”
The company produces brands such as Crown Premium Pasta, Crown Pasta, Bua Pasta and Dangote pasta.
As
the international community celebrates World Pasta Day today, October
25, 2020; the Nigerian consumers can rest assured that Crown Flour Mill
will continue to make high quality, non-sticky and great tasting pasta
available at affordable pricing.
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