Consumers of noodles in the country now have even more choice with the formal entry into the market of a new brand, Al Grain, positioned as a healthy choice. Al Grain is a whole grain noodles product manufactured in the N7b green field plant of Al Grain Foods Limited, Isolo, Lagos.

Economist and founder of the Centre for Values in Leadership, Prof. Pat Utomi, led a star cast of guests from banking, industry, government as well as Nollywood at the unveiling of the product Friday, May 23 at Golden Tulip Hotel, Amuwo Odofin, Lagos.

According to Mr. Anthony Obidulu, Chairman of Al Grain Foods Limited, Al Grain is a noodle brand produced to the highest hygienic standards using Global Best Manufacturing practice standards. Al Grain comes in two flavours of chicken &shrimp and beef.

Obidulu stated that “Al Grain noodles offers rich and healthy nutrition with unique African flavour.”

Al Grain is positioned as noodles for the health conscious because of its formulation and extensive use of natural ingredients. It comes in two flavours and two packs.

The Al Grain initiative would complement the efforts of government in developing local content in the food industry especially with its huge investment in manufacturing and entrepreneurship.

Speaking at the launch, Utomi called for greater focus by both the government and private sector players on agriculture and manufacturing. He remarked that a synergy between agriculture and manufacturing would be the surest route to creating jobs to reduce unemployment amongst Nigerian youth.

Utomi said he had tasted the product before the formal presentation and confessed his love for its formulation and presentation. Utomi, who was the guest of honour, disclosed: “I do not have a particular food I crave for, but sincerely Al Grain noodle has become part of my menu.”

Utomi confessed that he has become a convert of the noodle and enjoined consumers to enjoy it and make Al Grain part of the items in their hampers always. “I’m a convert to Al Grain. I have been eating it for some time now. Enjoy it. Give it out as gift. Let’s get strong eating healthy food,” he stated.

Notable among the Nollywood stars at the launch were Florence Onuma, Chigozie Atuanya, Chiege Alisigwe, Benedict Johnson, Chidi Ihesie, Benita Nzeribe, Yul Edochie and Tony Umez.

Other guests included a former president of the Institute of Directors Nigeria, Architect Tom Awagu, Mrs Ronke Jibodu, a vice president at FCMB and her colleague Mrs Raft Mohammed, Madam Mabel Nwogbo and Mr Sanuth Tunde of the Lagos State Ministry of Commerce and Industry as well as Mrs Toyin Orumah of Bank of Industry.

•Photo shows Nollywood star Tony Umez, Arc. Tom Awagu, Prof. Pat Utomi and Mr. and Mrs. Anthony Obiduluu presenting Al Grain noodles.

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