Olam Cocoa – Ghana

Summary

Olam Ghana, established in 1998, has grown to become a leading player in the country's cocoa sector. The company has expanded its operations from a cocoa bean supplier to a key player in the entire cocoa value chain, offering support to farmers through sustainable practices, interest-free loans, and advanced agricultural training. With a strong focus on quality, traceability, and community benefits, Olam Ghana operates in 58 districts and continues to innovate with new initiatives like electronic payments and sustainability programs. The company's success highlights its commitment to excellence and long-term growth in Ghana's cocoa industry.

Takeaways

• 😀 Olam Ghana has grown into one of the leading commodity companies in the country since its establishment in 1998.
• 😀 The company is a major player in Ghana's cocoa sector, with a presence in 58 districts across six regions.
• 😀 Olam Ghana is the first global trading house licensed for international marketing in Ghana.
• 😀 The company maintains strong relationships with stakeholders, offering benefits such as training and premiums for cocoa farmers.
• 😀 Olam provides interest-free loans to farmers and funds directly into their accounts, helping support local agricultural development.
• 😀 Through innovative programs, Olam has implemented technology, including electronic payments and sales machines for farmers.
• 😀 Olam Cocoa Processing Limited operates a facility that processes cocoa beans into high-quality products, supporting Ghana's cocoa value chain.
• 😀 Olam is committed to sustainability through its farmer extension programs and community investment in schools, hospitals, and other local projects.
• 😀 The company has contributed significantly to improving cocoa farming practices, increasing yields, and enhancing the overall quality of cocoa produced.
• 😀 Over 450 out of 2,000 employees at Olam Ghana work directly in the cocoa industry, reflecting the company's deep integration with the sector.
• 😀 After 20 years, Olam Cocoa continues to thrive, with an ongoing commitment to sustainability and further growth in the cocoa sector.

Q & A

When was Olam Ghana established?

Olam Ghana was established in 1998.

What is Olam Ghana's role in the country's cocoa sector?

Olam Ghana is one of the largest LBCs (Licensed Buying Companies) in Ghana's cocoa sector, with a presence in 58 districts across six regions.

How did Olam Ghana evolve in its cocoa business since 1998?

Initially focused on cocoa bean supply, Olam Ghana has expanded its operations to almost every aspect of the cocoa value chain, moving beyond just trading to include various processing and sustainability programs.

What significant milestone did Olam Ghana achieve in the global trading market?

Olam Ghana became the first global trading house to be licensed for international marketing in Ghana.

How has Olam Ghana impacted cocoa farmers?

Olam Ghana has provided benefits such as the payment of premiums, training programs, and interest-free loans at 0% to cocoa farmers, enhancing their business practices and increasing productivity.

What is Olam Ghana's approach to maintaining relationships with stakeholders?

Olam Ghana maintains strong relationships with stakeholders by ensuring they are involved throughout the cocoa value chain, from farm gates to final destination, and providing direct support like loans and training.

What is the role of Olam Ghana's Cocoa Processing Ghana Limited (CPGL)?

Cocoa Processing Ghana Limited (CPGL), acquired by Olam International in 2015, processes cocoa beans into various products, including coquelicot, and plays a key role in the local cocoa industry.

What initiatives has Olam Ghana undertaken to support its farmers?

Olam Ghana has provided interest-free loans, credit facilities, and training programs for farmers, and has also piloted electronic payment systems to ensure direct and efficient support.

How does Olam Ghana contribute to community development?

Olam Ghana contributes to community development through sustainability programs that support hospitals, schools, and provide farmers with better agribusiness practices and technical training.

What methods does Olam Ghana use for cocoa farm rehabilitation?

Olam Ghana uses three main methods of rehabilitation: grafting or top-working on old stocks, grafting or top-working on young stocks, and planting by seedlings, to ensure higher productivity and better cocoa yields.