Cavista Holdings has appointed Dr. Tony Bello as the new Chief Innovation and Commercialisation Officer of Matna Foods Limited, following the holding company’s recent acquisition of the food processing business.
The appointment is part of Cavista Holdings’ broader strategy to strengthen its agro-industrial operations and expand the commercial potential of agricultural products produced in Nigeria.
Bello brings more than 30 years of professional experience in food science, product innovation, industrial transformation and commercialisation. His career has taken him across the United States, Europe, Asia and Africa, where he has worked in senior roles within the global food industry.
Before joining Matna Foods, Bello held senior innovation positions with major international food companies, including PepsiCo’s Frito-Lay division, Kellogg Company and Kraft Foods. During his career, he was involved in product development initiatives and obtained patents relating to food processing and formulation in the United States and Europe.
His experience also extends beyond the private sector. Bello has worked with international development organisations on agricultural and agribusiness-related programmes, including the United Nations Development Programme, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa.
He has also contributed to agricultural transformation efforts in Nigeria through his work with the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security. His experience across both commercial food production and agricultural development is expected to support his new responsibilities at Matna Foods.
Niyi John Olajide, Chairman of Cavista Holdings and Agbeyewa Farms, said Bello’s appointment reflects the group’s objective of developing internationally competitive food businesses based on African agricultural resources.
“We are delighted to welcome Dr. Tony Bello to the Cavista Holdings family,” Olajide said, describing the new executive as someone who brings scientific expertise and extensive experience in commercialisation.
According to Olajide, Bello’s background will strengthen the company’s efforts to develop food businesses capable of competing in international markets while creating greater value from agricultural production in Africa.
A key area of focus will be cassava, one of Nigeria’s major agricultural crops. Olajide said Bello’s leadership would help the group explore opportunities to transform locally produced cassava into higher-value products for consumers in Nigeria and markets outside the country.
The focus on cassava reflects the wider objective of increasing value addition within Nigeria’s agricultural sector. Instead of limiting agricultural production to the sale of raw crops, food processing can create opportunities to develop finished and semi-finished products for different markets.
At Matna Foods, Bello will be responsible for leading innovation, product development and commercialisation strategies. His responsibilities will include supporting the development of cassava-based food products and identifying opportunities to expand their presence in domestic and international markets.
The company’s strategy places product innovation at the centre of its plans for growth. By combining agricultural production with food processing and product development, Matna Foods aims to participate more extensively in the value chain connecting farmers, processors and consumers.
Bello’s previous experience in product development within major global food companies is expected to be relevant to this objective. His background includes work involving food innovation, formulation and the commercial development of products for large consumer markets.
His experience working with international development organisations and Nigerian agricultural institutions also provides exposure to issues surrounding agricultural value chains and food sector development. These areas are closely connected to the company’s stated ambition of expanding value-added food production.
Industry observers view the appointment as an indication of Cavista Holdings’ continued focus on agricultural value addition and the development of Nigeria’s food processing industry. The move comes as businesses and policymakers continue to explore ways of increasing the economic value generated from agricultural production.
For Matna Foods, the immediate focus under Bello’s leadership will be on innovation and bringing products to market. The company’s emphasis on cassava based products could provide a platform for developing new food offerings while targeting both Nigerian consumers and export opportunities.
The appointment also underscores the importance of combining agricultural resources with scientific expertise and commercial experience. For food companies seeking to compete beyond local markets, product development, processing capabilities and effective commercialisation are important parts of building sustainable businesses.
With Bello assuming the role of Chief Innovation and Commercialisation Officer, Matna Foods is expected to continue developing its product pipeline while pursuing opportunities within Nigeria and international markets. The company’s progress will ultimately depend on how successfully it converts agricultural resources, research and innovation into commercially viable food products.
