The Ghana Cocoa Board has engaged a visiting Swiss delegation in discussions aimed at expanding cocoa juice production at Achiase, in a move to deepen value addition within Ghana’s cocoa sector.
The high-level meeting brought together officials of COCOBOD and representatives from Switzerland’s agribusiness and investment community to explore opportunities for scaling up the production and export of cocoa juice—an increasingly popular by-product derived from fresh cocoa pulp.
Speaking during the engagement, COCOBOD officials emphasized Ghana’s commitment to maximizing the full economic potential of cocoa beyond traditional bean exports. They noted that cocoa juice production presents a viable avenue for diversifying revenue streams, reducing post-harvest waste, and creating jobs along the value chain.
The Swiss delegation expressed strong interest in partnering with Ghana to enhance processing capacity at the Achiase facility. They highlighted Switzerland’s expertise in food processing, quality assurance, and global marketing, indicating that collaboration could help position Ghanaian cocoa juice competitively on the international market.
Discussions also focused on technology transfer, investment in modern processing equipment, and adherence to international food safety standards. Both parties underscored the importance of sustainability, traceability, and innovation in driving the long-term success of the initiative.
The Achiase cocoa processing facility has already gained attention for its pioneering work in converting cocoa pulp into juice, reducing waste that would otherwise be discarded during cocoa bean fermentation. Expanding production is expected to boost export earnings and strengthen Ghana’s reputation as a leader in cocoa innovation.
COCOBOD reiterated its readiness to work closely with international partners to unlock new opportunities within the sector, adding that such collaborations align with national efforts to industrialize and add value to Ghana’s primary commodities.
The engagement marks a significant step toward transforming Ghana’s cocoa industry, with stakeholders hopeful that the partnership will lead to increased investment, job creation, and enhanced global visibility for Ghanaian cocoa-based products.
