Oluwanifemi Adeyemi-Oyebiyi founded FOODS BY FAR, a Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 2, 3, and 12 focused brand in food processing. She partners with farmers to get quality food products that are unadulterated. She processes, packages, and gets these food products ready to be cooked.
Nifemi is a highly motivated and detailed oriented entrepreneur who is passionate about helping people meet their nutritional needs by providing high-quality agricultural products that are carefully and hygienically processed.
She is a critical thinker and an active learner who graduated from the Department of Philosophy at the University of Lagos and the Fate Foundation School. Nifemi has recently been recognized as one of the top 50 Remarkable Founders by MSME Africa, to mark this year’s World MSME Day, our correspondent spoke to Nifemi to learn more about her unique entrepreneurial journey and her mission to nurture well-being through the supply of preservative-free food products.
WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO START FOODS BY FAR AND PRODUCE PRESERVATIVE-FREE FOOD PRODUCTS?
Growing up, I gained invaluable insights into the food business through my mother, as my sister and I worked as her staff for several years. However, I never envisioned following in her footsteps and becoming a food entrepreneur, but fate had different plans for me as this knowledge became a lifeline in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic.
In 2020, when COVID-19 came knocking, I was a teacher in a private secondary school at the time, and life took an unexpected turn for many, including myself. – Schools had to shut down, and I found myself at a crossroad.
During the pandemic, I witnessed first-hand how people’s priorities shifted drastically – focusing solely on survival. And with the closure of borders limiting the importation of food and medications into the country at the peak of the crisis, two crucial realizations dawned on me – the paramount importance of health and the significance of food.
Having learned the ins and outs of the food industry from my mother, I was equipped to embrace the possibilities I saw in utilizing it as a veritable means to boost immunity and enhance overall well-being. As a lover of rice, I embarked on a quest to find a sustainable and locally-grown rice option. That’s when I discovered Ofada rice, a unique and indigenous variety. Learning about its numerous benefits to the body and the environment, I felt an unshakeable conviction to start a food business centered on this extraordinary grain. And so Food by Far was born.
HOW DO YOU ENSURE THE QUALITY AND SAFETY OF YOUR PRODUCTS WHILE STILL KEEPING COSTS AFFORDABLE?
We achieve this by establishing direct partnerships with local farmers, thereby maintaining complete control over the entire supply chain. Through these close collaborations, we can ensure that our Ofada rice is cultivated using the best agricultural practices, adhering to strict quality standards at every stage of production.
By bypassing middlemen and directly partnering with farmers, we streamline the distribution process, which, in turn, contributes to keeping our product affordable for our valued customers.
Moreover, we leverage modern milling technology, which plays a crucial role in preserving the intrinsic quality and nutritional value of our rice. This cutting-edge technology allows us to process the rice efficiently while safeguarding its essential nutrients, ensuring that each grain that reaches our customers is packed with goodness and flavour.
Additionally, we leave no room for compromise when it comes to safety. Throughout the packaging process, we adhere to stringent safety standards to safeguard the integrity of our product. We understand that our customers’ well-being depends on the safety and cleanliness of the food they consume, and we take this responsibility seriously.
Constant monitoring, rigorous quality control measures, and continuous improvement are at the heart of our efforts to uphold the quality and safety of our products. We are dedicated to maintaining the highest standards in every aspect of our operations, from sourcing the finest Ofada rice to delivering it to our customers.
HOW DO YOU ENSURE YOUR PRODUCTS ALIGN WITH YOUR VALUES AND VISION?
Ensuring that our products align seamlessly with our core values and vision is at the heart of everything we do at Foods by Far.
Quality is our foremost value, and it serves as the bedrock of our entire operation. To guarantee the highest quality of our food products, we start at the source – our partnerships with local farmers.
Health is another key pillar that shapes our product offerings. That’s why we are committed to providing food products that contribute to the overall well-being of our customers. Our products are free from harmful preservatives and retain their natural goodness, offering a nutritious option that supports immunity and promotes a healthy lifestyle.
Environmental stewardship is a value we hold dear, and we actively embrace sustainable practices to reduce our ecological impact. By sourcing locally grown products, we not only support local farmers but also decrease the carbon footprint associated with long-distance transportation. It’s our way of nurturing the environment and safeguarding the future for generations to come.
Furthermore, our vision revolves around nurturing health and well-being through the supply of preservative-free food products. We recognize the importance of natural and unadulterated food choices, and this vision drives our commitment to providing our customers with products that are free from harmful additives and chemicals.
At Foods by Far, every decision we make, from sourcing to processing, packaging, and distribution, is guided by our core values and vision. It is our sincere belief that by staying true to these principles, we can make a positive impact on the food industry and the lives of our valued customers.
WHAT CHALLENGES HAVE YOU FACED IN SCALING THE BUSINESS, AND HOW DID YOU OVERCOME THEM?
As the founder of Foods by Far, our journey to scale the business has been met with various challenges, and I’d like to share some of the key obstacles we’ve faced and the strategies we’ve employed to overcome them.
Poor Infrastructure: One of the major challenges we encountered was the lack of access to reliable infrastructure, including power, water, and well-paved roads. This has hindered our operational efficiency, resulting in increased operating costs and ultimately impacting product pricing. To address this, we’ve implemented meticulous resource management to optimize our processes and minimize waste.
Inadequate Access to Finance: Securing adequate funding has been an ongoing challenge due to high borrowing costs, stringent collateral requirements, and limited access to traditional financial institutions. To overcome this obstacle, we have adopted prudent financial management practices to optimize our use of available resources. Moreover, we’ve explored alternative financing options, including grants, which have enabled us to access some capital. Engaging in incubation and accelerator programs has proven beneficial as they equip us with valuable knowledge and networking opportunities, positioning our business for potential future funding.
Limited Production Capacity: Our growth has been constrained by limited production capacity, which encompasses equipment, storage facilities, and the availability of full-time staff. To address this, we’ve adopted a flexible approach by forming strategic partnerships with other businesses that have excess capacity, enabling us to meet increased customer demand during peak periods. Additionally, we occasionally hire ad-hoc staff for specific projects, ensuring our operations remain efficient and responsive to market needs.
Despite these challenges, our dedication to delivering high-quality products and our commitment to our core values have been unwavering. As we continue to grow, we remain steadfast in our pursuit of excellence, embracing challenges as opportunities for learning and growth.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO OTHER WOMEN ENTREPRENEURS IN NIGERIA WHO WANT TO START THEIR OWN FOOD BUSINESS?
Seek Knowledge: Knowledge is a powerful tool that empowers entrepreneurs to make informed decisions and navigate the challenges of starting a business successfully. Engage in continuous learning and research to understand the intricacies of the food industry, market trends, and consumer preferences. The more you know, the better equipped you’ll be to overcome obstacles and seize opportunities.
Embrace Networking: Entrepreneurship doesn’t have to be a lonely journey. Connect with fellow entrepreneurs, both within and outside the food industry, to build a strong support system. Networking offers the chance to exchange ideas, share experiences, and gain valuable insights from others who have walked a similar path. Collaborating with like-minded individuals can open doors to new partnerships and growth opportunities.
Find a Mentor: Having a mentor in the food business can be invaluable. Seek out experienced individuals who are willing to guide and advise you based on their own experiences. A mentor can provide valuable industry-specific knowledge, offer encouragement during challenging times, and help you avoid common pitfalls. Learning from someone who has already achieved success can fast-track your own journey.
Embrace the “God Factor”: Recognize the importance of faith and spirituality in your entrepreneurial journey. Entrust your plans and aspirations into God’s hands, seeking divine guidance and direction. A firm foundation of faith can provide inner strength, wisdom, and a sense of purpose, guiding you through the ups and downs of entrepreneurship.
Starting a food business requires passion, determination, and a willingness to learn and adapt. While challenges may arise, remember that every obstacle can be an opportunity for growth.
