Across the spectrum of Spectra Foods Industry Ltd

At this delicate moment of our nation’s economic history, when manufacturing companies are faced with all manner of challenges, ranging from high costs of raw materials, transportation, electric power supply and marketing of products, Spectra Foods Industries Limited has continued to weather the storm.

ere are therefore, important lessons for others to learn on the policies to leverage on in such disturbing circumstances.

It would be recalled that Spectra Nigeria limited was incorporated on the 22nd August, 1992 as a private limited liability company under the Companies and Allied Matters Act of 1990. The name Spectra Nigeria Limited was changed to Spectra Industries Limited on the 12th of September, 2008.

According to, the technologies manager and director of the company, Chief Duro Kuteyi part of the vision of the company was clearly spelt out right from the outset. As he aptly stated: “We will satisfy the market needs for quality and a ordable food products that o er bene cial opportunities as related to the consumers’ well-being and health, while also reducing the risk of diseases, in a way that adds value to all our stakeholders”. Good enough, it has strictly kept to its words till the moment. It is not surprising to note that the company won the prestigious Go Global Award as presented on 14th October, 2021.

With regards to its prime products, Spectra Industries Ltd is a manufacturer of functional foods operating in the small and medium scale sector. Functional foods positively affect the health of consumers. Amongst such products are Suco Cocoa drink; a beverage that contains 57% cocoa; more than available in others markets. Interestingly, it is the rst product of the company:

In speci c terms, Spectra Cocoa is 100% pure natural cocoa and contains health-giving and life-saving antioxidants. For instance, it has been discovered over the decades that consumption of cocoa as a beverage lowers blood pressure and cholesterol. It also boosts brain power and promotes sound sleep when taken at bedtime. Cocoa can also be incorporated into cake recipes for chocolate cakes and icing, it is perfect for hot chocolate:

On its part, Sobake is defatted Soy our used by bakers in their bread recipes. When added to wheat our in the speci ed ratio, it increases yield and extends shelf life of the product. It is used in other confectionery products. It is also used in the manufacture of seasonings:

While Fastomeal, made from yellow maize and soy beans is ideal as a weaning food for infants and a breakfast cereal for all ages, Hy ba soy sorghum meal when eaten with your favourite soup ensures a balanced meal.

Next comes Instant Hy ba, a soy/ maize meal which needs no further cooking on the re. It is ideal for busy people and requires only addition of hot water and mixing to the desired consistency.

Not le out are Chewie, a snack derived from yellow maize and soy beans. It’s a nutritious snack, and Spectra Dark Chocolate which is a healthy chocolate bar with 55% cocoa. Little wonder that it is referred to as a super-food.

It is worthy of note, that all these products are available in open markets and supermarkets nationwide and can also be purchased online from Spectra Industries Limited website.

When it comes to boosting its performance in the local and international markets, networking and adding value to the customers’ lives SIL has had free practical training organized by APPEALS PROJECTS and in collaboration with Ojokoro Local Government.

Furthermore, the company has connected with potential chefs to improve on their standards and cooking experiences. For instance, on the 9th and 10th August, 2023, it put these into practice at Motor Rd, 371

Oko-oba Rd, Agege, Lagos (in Lagos State Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperation).

As one of its adverts stated: “Are you ready to ignite your passion for cooking and elevate your culinary skills to new heights? Look no further! We are thrilled to invite you to our highly-anticipated and FREE Food Prep Training”.

Going further, it listed the culinary skills to learn as including the preparation of tasty sh crackers, breads in di erent forms, pastries and small chops, plain and chocolate cakes, the mouth-watering shawarma for vegans and pepper soups for vegans

On May 29, 2023 the company went out all the way to boosting the acceptability of its chocolate products with the promotion titled: “Discover the captivating story of chocolate’s journey through time, filled with irresistible flavors and delightful surprises”. Stated below is an excerpt from the vital historical perspective provided:

“Let’s take a delicious trip back to ancient Mesoamerica, in what we now call Mexico, where the magical origins of chocolate were found. It all started with the Olmec civilization, who were among the ancient peoples of Latin America, and they were the rst to make chocolate from the cacao plant.

ey used it as medicine and enjoyed it during their special ceremonies.

“Centuries later, the Mayans fell head over heels for chocolate and considered it a heavenly treat t for the gods. ey mixed roasted cacao seeds with spices, water, and cornmeal to create their famous Mayan chocolate. This resulted in a thick and foamy drink called “xocolatl,” meaning “bitter water” in their language.

“Moving forward to the 15th century, the Aztecs embraced cocoa beans as valuable currency. They cherished chocolate as a delightful beverage, believing it to be an aphrodisiac and even a source of strength given to them by the god Quetzalcoatl, preparing them for battle.

“Chocolate’s allure didn’t stop there! European nobility couldn’t resist its richness and health bene ts, making it a favorite treat among kings, queens, and the upper class.

“But hold on, a groundbreaking transformation was on the horizon— the Industrial Revolution. In 1828, an amazing invention changed chocolate production forever—the chocolate press. is incredible device allowed the extraction of cocoa butter from roasted cacao beans, resulting in a ne cocoa powder. Combining this powder with other ingredients in molds gave birth to the delectable chocolate bars we know and love today.” Interesting, is it not? Yes, it obviously is!

Beyond this, Spectra Industries Ltd has connected well with the public through socio-cultural gatherings. For instance, in 2023 it was at the Pan-yoruba Group, Fifth Annual Omoluabi Festival tagged Ekofest Council Worldwide festival, that was held in collaboration with the Lagos state government.

Ayo Oyoze Baje is Nigeria’s first food technologist to practice as a journalist. ayobaje@yahoo.co.uk; 07068638066