The Gambia Tourism and Hospitality Institute will hold its maiden food and beverage exposition this month that seeks to promote healthy food consumption.

Speaking to reporters, Peter Mendy, head of department for research and consultancy at the institute said the programme seeks to promote Gambian local produce.

“This programme will provide very important exposure for food businesses because over the years, we’ve been having other trade fairs, but this one is going to be special. And it is going to impower food businesses to come and showcase their products with potential buyers,” he said.

“Our main objective here at the research  department is to come up with healthy food option by promoting local foods and eating of organic foods. We believe that if you want to make our population healthy, we need to promote and sensitise the people on the importance of local food consumption,” he added.

Meanwhile, Fatoumatta Sillah, communication officer of the institute said the programme will be a platform to help local food producers to network and learn with international chefs.

Maimuna Dibba, reserch assistant echoed similar remarks while called for promotion of Gambian foods to the world.

Reporting by Adama Makasuba