Ghana’s Cocoa Processing Company has signed a $2 million contract in Shanghai covering 250 tonnes of Ghanaian cocoa. The deal could lead to more regular sales in China, where Côte d’Ivoire and Benin are also looking to expand their markets for agricultural and food products.
Ghana Looks to Build on an Existing Partnership
The contract was signed with a trader from Yiyang, in China’s Hunan province, at the ninth China International Import Expo. The two companies already knew each other. At the previous edition, the Chinese partner showcased the Ghanaian company’s products at its stand. This year, Cocoa Processing Company Managing Director William Coffie travelled to Shanghai to expand sales and explore Chinese cocoa-processing technologies.
The company’s focus on both sales and technology reflects a broader opportunity for Ghana’s cocoa industry. Export orders can support activity at processing plants, while new equipment can help manufacturers diversify their product ranges. Supplying ingredients tailored to Chinese makers of chocolate, biscuits and beverages would give Ghanaian processors access to markets beyond the traditional cocoa bean trade.
Côte d’Ivoire and Benin Seek New Buyers
Côte d’Ivoire made its debut at the expo with more than 20 companies exhibiting across about 200 square metres. Benin sought Chinese importers for its pineapples and aims to export 2,000 tonnes within two to three years. Reaching that target will depend on the orders secured and exporters’ ability to deliver consistently on buyers’ terms.
The challenges vary by product. For fresh fruit, transit times and reliable cold-chain logistics affect the cost of getting goods to China. For cocoa ingredients, consistency across batches, traceability and compliance with manufacturers’ specifications will help determine whether buyers place repeat orders.
For the Ghanaian company, the Shanghai deal provides a foothold for further growth. The next test will be delivering on the contract, securing repeat orders and broadening the range of products it sells in China.
