Koa enters a new era with Africa’s largest cocoa fruit factory

Koa is the first company in West Africa to have unlocked a new value chain around the so far discarded cocoa pulp. Working closely with cocoa smallholders, Koa reduces on-farm food waste around the cocoa fruit, increases cocoa farmers’ income while at the same time bringing unique new ingredients to the gastronomy and food and beverage industry for applications ranging from chocolate, confectionery, ice cream to drinks in Ghana and abroad.

Since its foundation in 2017, Koa has upcycled 800 tons of cocoa fruit that was, until that day, overlooked in the cocoa industry. Currently, 2,200 cocoa farmers have benefitted from collaborating with Koa, earning a total of GHS 2.3 million (USD 300,000). The certified B Corp employs 100 people – 18 in Switzerland and 82 in Ghana.

With the inauguration of the cocoa fruit factory in Akim Achiase on Friday, 25 August 2023, the Ghanaian-Swiss entered a new chapter as it expands its reach, impact and contribution towards sustainable growth in rural Ghana and making a positive impact on the cocoa industry. The large capacity will also allow the company to scale its production capabilities tenfold and broaden its product assortment while enhancing existing recipes.

Daniel Otu, Production & Operations Director at Koa, explained that “the new factory will allow the company to grow in line with the demand from its customers. The factory will generate 250 new jobs in rural Ghana and allow us to extend our cocoa fruit upcycling to an additional 10,000 cocoa farmers."

(Press release/RAN)