This Couple is Responsible for Bringing West African Meals to Whole Foods

In recent years, West African meals have gained some popularity in the United States, especially among African communities.

This Chicago-based couple has taken the popularity of West African meals a step further by introducing a new line of frozen meals to Whole Foods. The couple, Perteet and Fred Spencer co-own AYO Foods.

AYO Foods is a small food brand company specialized in the preparation of traditional West African meals. The couple wanted to create a food company that goes beyond meal preparation to representing the West African culture in a foreign land, as well as enjoying the connection between homemade recipes and family time.

“Our home has always been a gathering point for friends and family because we love the joy that is born out of those special moments together,” the couple said in an email interview. “None of these moments happen without a great meal. As we thought about building a business together, nothing inspired us more than using our strong industry experiences to create these moments for others by sharing some of our family’s favorite recipes that were under-represented in the mainstream grocery stores.”

The frozen West African meals are AYO Foods' innovative step to making their foods readily available to consumers. The products will be available in select Whole Foods locations in Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Louisiana. They will also sell in the Chicago-based grocery store, Green Grocer. The couple is also hopeful that more Americans engage in trying West African meals as their food brand has seen great patronage since its launch in 2019.

“We’ve watched the explosive growth of frozen as more and more premium items transform freezer doors across America,” they said. “In many instances, the source of that growth is the ethnic food as people look to explore the world one bite at a time. Frozen was a natural fit as an easy way for people to experience the flavors of West Africa.”

AYO Foods' target is to make available a variety of frozen West African cuisines without losing their flavor or nutritional value. The meals at AYO Foods are a true celebration and depiction of the West African culture. The food company has its meals come in three packages, ranging from mild to medium spiced options.