GHANA – Nestlé Ghana has completed the expansion of its infant cereals plant in Tema, making it the primary hub for producing and supplying infant cereals in the country and 24 other nations in Central and West Africa.
The expansion tagged at a cost of GHS 175.4 million (US$22.12m), has increased the production capacity of CERELAC brand by 6,700 tons.
President of the Republic of Ghana, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, during the unveiling of the facility highlighted that, “This investment by a major multinational company does not only underscore the confidence that Nestlé and its shareholders have in the Ghanaian economy, but it is also a signal to the global business community that the Ghanaian economy is recovering to its pre-COVID-19 levels.’’
The food processing giant is readying for the next phase of the plant’s expansion, which will be completed in 2024 at an additional cost of GHS 56 million (US$7.06m).
This will add another 6,700 tons of production capacity, through which it will continue to provide the right nutrition for the healthy growth of children in the country and beyond.
“With production growing to about 13,700 tons annually, additional income opportunities for local farmers and suppliers in Ghana and the region of Central and West Africa are guaranteed,” said Mr. Mauricio Alarcón, Chief Executive Officer for Nestlé Central and West Africa Region (CWAR).
Nestlé Ghana has vowed that it will continue to grow and contribute to the economy of the West African nation and provide affordable and accessible nutritious foods and beverages.
This is in fulfilment of its purpose of “unlocking the power of food to enhance the quality of life for everyone, today and for generations to come.”
Further driving its purpose of availing nutritious and affordable food, Nestlé has developed a sorghum-based porridge that upcycles a Milo side stream to fully valorise raw materials and avoid nutrient loss.
The product uses a sorghum side stream from the Nestlé factory in Agbara, Nigeria that is highly nutritious but is typically discarded during the production of malt for Milo.
To meet regional needs and tastes, the sorghum is then blended with cereals such as wheat and maize.
Developed through a scientifically validated nutritional concept called GRAINSMART Balance, the new product is aimed to achieve the right balance of carbohydrates and fiber, for optimal nutrition – including support for the immune system – and taste.
Using this side stream has helped reduce the cost of ingredients and has allowed Nestlé to develop a nutritious breakfast option that lower-income families can afford.
The new product has been developed by experts at Nestlé’s R&D Center in Abidjan together with the company’s global R&D Network and local markets.
It is now being tested with consumers in Côte d’Ivoire under the Golden Morn brand, ahead of a regional launch this year.
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