What started six years ago as a modest home cooking project has evolved into something far more ambitious—YumChop Foods is now proudly displayed in Tesco Extra, taking African-inspired flavours to new heights.
This October, the company is unveiling ten new products, inviting shoppers to experience African cuisine in a convenient, frozen format.
More than just a business venture, YumChop Foods was born from a heartfelt desire to bring the authentic taste of African home cooking to the mainstream UK market.
Each dish reflects the spirit of family gatherings, traditional recipes, and a commitment to preserving the essence of African flavours.
YumChop: Bringing an African Twist to Ready Meals
YumChop’s mission goes beyond just filling supermarket shelves. The name itself, “YumChop,” is derived from a Nigerian phrase meaning “enjoy your meal,” and it perfectly encapsulates the brand’s ethos.
They offer a variety of frozen ready meals, such as Indonesian Coconut Rice, Colombian Plantain, and Nigerian smoky rice, crafted to introduce the diverse, vibrant taste of African-inspired cuisine to UK homes.
The aim is not just accessibility but authenticity, making sure each bite connects customers to the essence of African cooking without artificial additives or preservatives.
The Heart Behind YumChop: Abi and Michael Adefisan
The driving force behind YumChop is a Nigerian couple; husband-and-wife team, Abi and Michael Adefisan, who have been crafting meals together for 25 years.
Growing up in West African (Nigerian) households rich in culinary tradition, they infused each YumChop recipe with flavours passed down through generations.
When friends and family couldn’t get enough of their fusion dishes, the Adefisans realised they had something special to share.
They identified a gap in the frozen food market, where global cuisine was expanding but African flavours remained underrepresented.
Seeing that the UK frozen food market was valued at over £8 billion, they knew they had an opportunity to fill this gap by creating a product line that marries traditional African ingredients with British meal favourites, bringing an adventurous twist to everyday dinners.
A Vision to Expand Culinary Horizons
For Abi and Michael, YumChop isn’t just about food; it’s about sharing a part of their culture and family legacy. The journey from their kitchen to Tesco’s aisles was built on a foundation of resilience, deep faith, and a commitment to introducing people to authentic African-inspired dishes.
The new product launch is the latest step in their mission to make these flavours a staple in UK households, offering an accessible yet genuine taste of Africa.
YumChop’s presence in Tesco not only symbolises a significant milestone for the brand but also represents a bridge, connecting customers with flavours from Africa and beyond.
Through their culinary journey, Abi and Michael are carving out a space for African cuisine in the UK’s diverse food landscape—one frozen meal at a time.
