Nestle Ghana has finished expanding its infant cereals plant in Tema, making it the primary hub for producing and supplying infant cereals in the country as well as 24 other Central and West African countries. The expansion, which cost GHS 175.4 million (USD22.12 million), increased CERELAC brand production capacity by 6,700 tonnes.
During the facility's unveiling, President of the Republic of Ghana, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo stated, "This investment by a major multinational company not only underscores Nestlé and its shareholders' confidence in the Ghanaian economy, but it is also a signal to the global business community that the Ghanaian economy is recovering to its levels."
The food giant is preparing for the next phase of the plant's expansion, which will be completed in 2024 at a cost of GHS 56 million (USD7.06 million).
This will increase production capacity by 6,700 tonnes, allowing it to continue to provide the proper nutrition for the healthy growth of children in the country and beyond.
"With production increasing to approximately 13,700 tonnes per year, additional income opportunities for local farmers and suppliers in Ghana and the Central and West African region are assured," said Mauricio Alarcón, Chief Executive Officer for Nestle Central and West Africa Region (CWAR).
Nestlé Ghana has pledged to continue growing and contributing to the West African country's economy, as well as to provide affordable and accessible nutritious foods and beverages. This is in keeping with its mission of "unlocking the power of food to improve the quality of life for everyone, today and for future generations."
Nestlé has developed a sorghum-based porridge that upcycles a Milo sidestream to fully valorize raw materials and avoid nutrient loss, furthering its goal of providing nutritious and affordable food.
The product makes use of a highly nutritious sorghum byproduct from the Nestlé factory in Agbara, Nigeria, which is typically discarded during the production of malt for Milo. Sorghum is then blended with cereals such as wheat and maize to meet regional needs and tastes.
The new product, developed using a scientifically validated nutritional concept called GRAINSMART Balance, aims to achieve the right balance of carbohydrates and fibre for optimal nutrition – including immune system support – and taste. Using this sidestream has helped Nestlé reduce ingredient costs and develop a nutritious breakfast option that lower-income families can afford.
Experts at Nestlé's R&D Center in Abidjan collaborated with the company's global R&D Network and local markets to develop the new product. It is currently being tested with consumers in Côte d'Ivoire under the Golden Morn brand, with a regional launch planned for later this year.
