Cosmos Trade Nigeria Limited is setting the stage for Nigeria to emerge as a leading destination for culinary tourism through its newly established Gelato and Coffee University. This groundbreaking initiative is designed to empower budding entrepreneurs while enriching the nation’s hospitality landscape. Recently certified as the 13th Carpigiani Gelato University globally, the institution made its debut during an exhibition in Lagos, where Cosmos Trade highlighted its mission to integrate food innovation with tourism development.
During the exhibition, the company’s Business Development Manager described the university as a forward-thinking initiative aimed at enhancing Nigeria’s appeal on the global tourism map. He emphasized that the training centre would significantly contribute to fortifying Nigeria’s food and beverage industry by offering participants comprehensive practical training in the art and business of coffee and gelato production.
He explained that Cosmos Trade recognized a prevalent skills gap in Nigeria’s hospitality sector, particularly among aspiring entrepreneurs who lack the necessary training to thrive. In response, the company established a fully equipped educational facility offering structured, hands-on training programs. These programs, which range from three days to two weeks, cater to varying levels of expertise—from beginner to advanced. They are also competitively priced, making them more accessible than similar programs abroad and appealing to a broader African audience.
Importantly, the Gelato and Coffee University is not limited to Nigerians alone. The institution is open to participants from across Africa and the Middle East, reinforcing Cosmos Trade’s goal of positioning Nigeria as a regional hub for culinary innovation and excellence.
Beyond training, Cosmos Trade plays an influential role in the broader food and beverage sector by supplying state-of-the-art equipment and raw materials for gelato, coffee, and tea production. The company introduced Nigeria’s first office coffee vending system and continues to provide machines, consumables, and technical support. As consumer demand for hot beverages rises, the company views this as a growing market opportunity ripe for exploration and investment.
The exhibition also featured testimonials from local entrepreneurs and trainees who shared their positive experiences with Cosmos Trade’s products and training programs. A café owner based in Lagos commended the durability and superior performance of the company’s machines, as well as the reliability of its after-sales service. Another testimonial came from a university student who praised the program for deepening his knowledge of recipe formulation, ingredient measurement, and the commercial dynamics of gelato production. His food and beverage business is now branching into gelato in order to remain competitive in a rapidly evolving market.
Cosmos Trade’s leadership is also actively pursuing partnerships to extend the reach and impact of its training programs. The Business Development Manager called for stronger collaboration with public institutions, development finance organizations, and non-governmental bodies to elevate Nigeria’s culinary profile as a tourism magnet. He specifically expressed interest in partnering with institutions such as the Bank of Industry to amplify visibility and attract food enthusiasts to Nigeria for immersive culinary experiences.
Through strategic partnerships and sustained investment in vocational training, Cosmos Trade believes that Nigeria can significantly strengthen its global presence in the hospitality sector. By equipping young people and entrepreneurs with relevant skills and opportunities, the initiative is poised to stimulate economic growth while positioning Nigeria as a hub of culinary creativity and tourism potential.
