Cargill urged to increase cocoa processing in Ghana

Mr Edwin Nii Lante Vanderpuye, Deputy Minister of Trade and Industry on Thursday urged Management of Cargill to increase the production capacity of cocoa processing.

He said this would provide more jobs for the unemployed youth and produce more value added cocoa from Ghana for the export market, thereby generating foreign exchange.

Mr Vanderpuye made the request in Abidjan when he paid a courtesy call on Mr Lionel Soulard, Director General of Cargill West Africa.

He said globally, Ghana’s cocoa is held in high esteem, and cocoa products like chocolate are hot cakes in many countries.

He said Ghana would be participating in the 2015 world trade fair to be held in Milan.

Mr Vandepuye said cocoa producing nations like Ghana and Cote d’Ivoire would be exhibiting their products at the fair, hence the extension of invitation to Cargill to be part of Ghana’s show by presenting some cocoa products from the country.

Mr Soulard assured the Deputy Minister that Cargill would team up with government to work towards a sustainable chain production.

He said the Cargill Cocoa Processing Factory in Tema, has a production capacity of 65,000 tonnes annually while that of Abidjan is 120, 000 tonnes.

The company produces cocoa powder, butter, chocolate, among other products for both the local and international markets.

Mr Soulard congratulated Ghana for producing high quality beans over the years.

Cargill founded in 1865 is an international producer and marketer of food, agricultural, financial and industrial products and services.

Source: GNA