“Incredible potential” in Ghanaian food processing sector, says consortium of multinational food companies
A consortium of multinational food giants recently visited Accra, Ghana, to witness firsthand the immense growth and potential of the country’s food processing sector. The group, including General Mills, Cargill, The Hershey Company, Bühler Group, and other notable partners, expressed their support for Ghana’s agribusinesses during a visit organized by Partners in Food Solutions (PFS), a nonprofit organization focused on empowering food businesses in Africa.
Partners in Food Solutions is a unique alliance of global food companies like General Mills, Cargill, DSM-Firmenich, Bühler, The Hershey Company, Ardent Mills, and The J.M. Smucker Company. These companies provide pro-bono technical support to local African food companies, aimed at strengthening their capacity to scale and improve food security. In Ghana, PFS has supported 84 local companies, providing over 10,000 hours of expertise from 348 professionals. The collaboration aims to foster growth and sustainability in the food processing sector, which plays a vital role in Ghana’s economy.
The recent visit by PFS Board members, which included prominent figures such as General Mills CFO Kofi Bruce and Cargill Vice President Sarah Jelkin, marked a significant milestone. This was the first time the Board had met in Africa since PFS was founded in 2011. The visit underscored the potential for Ghana’s food processing industry to become a leader in West Africa and beyond.
During a press conference following the visit, Mandla Nkomo, CEO of Partners in Food Solutions, highlighted the importance of Ghana’s food industry in addressing regional food security challenges. “Ghana is uniquely positioned and has incredible potential to drive food security solutions – not only for its people but across the West African region and wider continent. With the right expertise, investment, and partnerships, local food businesses can drive continued growth in the agribusiness sector,” said Nkomo.
Board members had the opportunity to engage directly with local businesses like OXY Industries, a food processing and packaging company in Tema, and Gold Coast Foods, a producer of herbs and spices. These visits allowed the consortium to see firsthand how local businesses are being empowered by PFS’s unique business-to-business model. By connecting Ghanaian food processors with global expertise, PFS is helping to build a sustainable food system that contributes to economic growth and job creation.
The agribusiness sector is a critical driver of Ghana’s economy, accounting for 24.5 percent of the country’s GDP. With projections indicating an annual growth rate of 2.7 percent through 2028, the sector is poised for continued expansion. Partners in Food Solutions aims to support this growth by fostering strategic partnerships and facilitating knowledge transfer between global corporations and local entrepreneurs.
Kofi Bruce, General Mills CFO, emphasized the importance of ongoing support for Ghanaian agribusinesses, stating, “Through our collaboration, we can help strengthen the agricultural supply chain and improve access to nutritious food. This will ultimately create more jobs and help build resilience in the sector.”
In addition to improving food safety, quality, and availability, Partners in Food Solutions is also contributing to the broader goal of food systems security across Africa. With its extensive network of experts and corporate partners, PFS continues to strengthen the capacity of over 2,400 African food companies, helping them overcome challenges and unlock new opportunities in the fast-evolving food industry.
As the PFS consortium’s visit to Ghana draws to a close, the overarching message is clear: the country’s food processing sector holds incredible promise, and with the right support and partnerships, it can become a leader in the African food economy.
About Partners in Food Solutions:
Partners in Food Solutions is a nonprofit consortium of leading global food companies, including General Mills, Cargill, DSM-Firmenich, Bühler, The Hershey Company, Ardent Mills, and The J.M. Smucker Company. The organization works in partnership with more than 2,400 African food companies across 11 countries, providing technical and business expertise to improve food quality, safety, and availability. Since its inception, PFS has delivered over 170,000 pro-bono consulting hours to help strengthen Africa’s food security.
For media inquiries, please contact: Nikki See, Partners in Food Solutions
nikki@partnersinfoodsolutions.com
+1-612-242-9852 (WhatsApp available)
Harvey Presence, Marchmont Communications
harvey@marchmontcomms.com
+44 7582 195 497
