BREAKING: GWR confirms Hilda Baci as holder of World’s Largest Pot of Nigerian Jollof Rice

Today, 15th of September, 2025, Guinness World Records officially recognised a landmark feat as Gino, Nigeria’s leading culinary brand under GBfoods, in partnership with its brand ambassador and culinary mastermind Hilda Baci, set a new world record for the largest pot of Nigerian Jollof rice. The remarkable achievement was unveiled at the Gino World Jollof Festival on the 12th of September, where 200 bags of rice and carefully measured ingredients came together to create a pot that weighed over 10,000 kilograms after cooking. The feat, which lasted nine hours, was a display of precision, scale, and culinary excellence.

The gigantic pot of Asun Jollof was prepared using a combination of Gino’s signature tomato pastes and seasoning cubes, including Gino Party Jollof, Gino Peppered Chicken Tomato Mix, Gino Asun Tomato Mix, and Gino Asun, Party Jollof and Peppered Chicken Cubes. This unique recipe gave many Nigerians the opportunity to experience Asun Jollof in a new light, inspiring fresh appreciation for a flavourful twist on a national favourite. With this, Gino reinforced its cultural mission of preserving tradition and celebrating local flavours while introducing innovative blends that bring communities together through food.

At the heart of this groundbreaking celebration was Gino’s commitment to spotlighting Nigerian cuisine on the global stage, elevating Jollof rice through the richness of its Asun Tomato Mix, beyond a beloved national meal to a symbol of culture, community, and innovation. The record-breaking moment also marked the launch of Gino Maxi Pack, a 500g product specially designed for large cooking, caterers and those who love to cook in bulk, further emphasising Gino’s role as a brand that understands the evolving needs of Nigerian kitchens.

The festival was a grand convergence of food enthusiasts, well wishers, influencers, celebrities, and government dignitaries all united to witness this extraordinary feat. Notable attendees included the Wife of the Governor of Ogun State, Mrs. Bamidele Abiodun, who joined in the stirring of the pot, representatives of the Lagos State Ministry of Agriculture and Food systems, and celebrated personalities such as Funke Akindele, Kafayat Oluwatoyin Shafau (Kaffy the Dancer), Tomike Adeoye, Enioluwa, Veekee James, Alex Unusual, and many others. Live performances from Lasmid, Rybeena, Slimcase, Spyro, and other top acts also entertained guests making the night not only historic but also celebratory.

Speaking at the event, Oreoluwa Atinmo, Marketing Director, GBfoods Nigeria, said:

“As the Marketing Director at GBfoods, I am proud to say we lit more than a fire that day. We lit a promise that Nigerian excellence is not just a headline, it is a habit. That is the story of Gino, a brand that not only seasons meals but also reimagines the taste of home and pushes the boundaries of what Nigerian food can mean to the world.”

Beyond the achievement, the Gino World Jollof Festival served as a reminder that Nigerian cuisine deserves a seat at the world’s culinary table. It was first a cultural statement before  a culinary feat.

Speaking on the achievement, Hilda Baci, chef and record-breaking culinary innovator, said:

“This moment is not just about me, it’s about all Nigerians. Jollof rice is more than food, it’s a symbol of our culture, resilience, and togetherness. My dream is that one day, anyone anywhere in the world can walk into any restaurant and proudly request Jollof rice  and have it served with the same recognition and respect as any other globally known meal. Through the Gino world Jollof festival, we wanted to show the world that Nigerian cuisine deserves that global spotlight. This moment was for every Nigerian home where Jollof is cooked and enjoyed, and for everyone who believes in the power of tradition meeting innovation.”

The Gino World Jollof Festival with Hilda Baci was more than a record-breaking event. By placing Jollof rice at the centre of global attention, the festival reinforced the role of food as a powerful connector of people, culture, and identity. The over 10,000 kilograms of Jollof rice cooked during the festival was shared with thousands of guests and members of the community, ensuring none went to waste. Attendees gave positive feedback, celebrating not just the size of the achievement but also the rich flavour and authenticity of the meal. Gino reminded the world of what the true Nigerian spirit was; resilience, unity, creativity, and joy, all expressed through Jollof.