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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.