GHANA – Olam Agri, a global leader in food and agriculture, is set to transform Ghana’s pasta market by constructing a new state-of-the-art pasta production facility and expanding its wheat flour production capacity.
This new venture, announced in a press release, reflects the company’s commitment to enhancing food security and supporting local economic development in Ghana.
As the only pasta production facility in Ghana, the planned facility, which will be constructed in two phases, aims to have the capacity to meet Ghana’s entire pasta demand, significantly reducing reliance on imports. The company did not disclose the investment package for the facility.
Olam Agri intends to source premium wheat directly and manage the milling process for pasta production, ensuring consistent quality control and closer proximity to consumers.
Baibhav Biswas, Country Head of Olam Agri in Ghana, emphasized the new facility’s positive impact, noting that the initiative is part of the company’s efforts to contribute to Ghana’s economic development by providing greater stability in the supply and affordability of pasta.
“With this facility, we will be able to bring high-quality, nutritious, and affordable pasta products closer to our Ghanaian consumers than ever before,” he said.
Olam Agri has established a strong presence in Ghana over the past 30 years as a major supplier of food and agricultural products.
According to Statista, in 2022, Ghana imported US$56.4M worth of Pasta, becoming the world’s 48th largest importer. The facility, therefore, intends to reduce the country’s import burden.
Additionally, the new pasta production facility will further strengthen Olam Agri’s footprint in the country and across West Africa. The company’s investments in high-quality infrastructure and competent human resources aim to produce products that meet both local and international standards.
In Africa, Olam Agri has built a robust wheat milling and pasta production business over the past 14 years, with operations in Ghana, Nigeria, Senegal, and Cameroon.
It supplies domestic markets and exports to neighboring countries like Benin, Togo, and Burkina Faso. The company produces pasta in Nigeria under brands such as ‘Mama Gold,’ ‘Crown Premium,’ ‘First Choice,’ and ‘Bijou,’ reflecting its expertise in consumer markets and supply chain management.
Saurabh Mehra, Olam Agri’s Global Managing Director for Processing & Value Add, highlighted that the expansion into Ghana aligns with the growing demand for high-quality food products in the region.
He noted that this growth is driven by factors such as demographic changes, increased urbanization, and the development of the food sector, including downstream industries.
Olam Agri’s expansion strategy is underpinned by its strong global sourcing capabilities, efficient processing operations, and deep understanding of market needs.
With operations across 33 years, the company remains committed to building a sustainable food future, meeting growing demand, and enabling farming communities to thrive globally.
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