Ghana-made chocolate consumption still low as Ghana marks ‘Chocolate Day’
According to the Cocoa Processing Company (CPC), Ghanaians consume only 400 grams of chocolate daily compared to other developed countries who consume twice the number.
In Ghana, Valentine’s Day is called the National Chocolate Day. The day seeks to encourage consumption of locally made chocolate to enhance the processing of cocoa for value addition.
However, the local chocolate Market has low patronage compared to higher consumption of imported chocolate.
In 2017, $45 million worth of chocolate was imported into the country.
The global chocolate market is worth some 103.28 billion dollars and has been estimated to reach approximately 161.56 billion dollars by 2024.
Ghana’s major producer of Chocolate, the Cocoa Processing Company produces 2000 metric tons of chocolate annually. The company produces under constraints such as obsolete machinery and limited production space.
Although a few private companies have started local processing of cocoa, it is still not enough to meet local demand allowing for the high importation of foreign made chocolate.
Despite Ghana being ranked the second for cocoa production and the country with the finest cocoa beans, there is little processing and local consumption of Ghana’s main cash crop.
James Ekow Rhule, Head of Public Relations at Cocoa Processing Company, says Ghana is now nurturing its chocolate market.
“If we intensify education for local consumption of our own products I believe we can have a great share in the speedy growth of the Chocolate market globally. But we all have to work towards it because Ghana has huge prospects,” he said.
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Currently the Cocoa Processing Company Exports to neighboring countries in very low quantities.
Mr. Rhule added that the company is exploring various types of chocolates to match up with the high demand for foreign chocolate.
“We all have to change our attitude towards products made here to expand our markets. The prospects are there, we only need to promote the products.”
On his part, Acting Chairman of National Chocolate Day Committee, Dr. Edward Amporful said an intensification of the education on the health benefit of chocolate which include a reduction of heart related problems can make some impact.
