Accra, September 20, 2025 – Nestlé Ghana has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening ties with cocoa farmers through a unique engagement initiative that brought 15 farmers from the Ashanti Region to its Tema factory. The visit, the first of its kind, formed part of the company’s Creating Shared Value (CSV) strategy, which aims to build sustainable livelihoods for farmers while safeguarding the long-term supply of quality cocoa for Nestlé’s operations.
For the participating farmers, the visit was both educational and inspirational. Many of them, though experienced in cocoa cultivation, had never had the chance to see how their beans are transformed into world-renowned Nestlé products such as Milo. The initiative provided them with an opportunity to experience the full value chain, from farm to factory, and appreciate their critical role within it.
Farmers Witness the Cocoa Journey
During the factory tour, the farmers observed how harvested cocoa beans are processed, refined, and incorporated into Nestlé’s leading brands. They were particularly impressed by the scale and technology behind the operations, and how each stage of production depended on the quality of their raw materials.
One of the participants, Anthony Owusu, a farmer from Adansi Fumesekitua, described the experience as eye-opening.
“This is the first time I have seen how cocoa from our farms ends up in Milo and other Nestlé products. I am taking this knowledge back to my community so other farmers can understand the value of what we produce,” he said.
Another farmer, Thomas Oduro, also from Adansi Fumesekitua, echoed similar sentiments.
“When I first entered the factory, I thought I was in the wrong place. But after the tour, I felt at home and overly impressed. Today, I feel overjoyed and confident about the role we farmers play in creating these world-class products,” he noted.
The testimonies reflect the pride and ownership that Nestlé seeks to instill in cocoa farmers, encouraging them to view their work not just as crop cultivation but as a key contribution to global food security and value creation.
Building Shared Value for All
The factory visit is part of Nestlé’s broader Creating Shared Value philosophy, which emphasizes that businesses can only thrive when the communities they depend on also thrive.
Deborah Kwablah, Corporate Communications Manager of Nestlé Ghana, explained that the company’s relationship with farmers goes beyond sourcing cocoa beans.
“We train farmers in the right agronomic practices so they can increase yields and improve their livelihoods. When they get better returns from their land, Nestlé also benefits by securing the quality cocoa we need for our products. That is why we call it shared value – it’s about creating opportunities for both the farmer and the business,” she said.
Nestlé has invested significantly in equipping farmers with modern techniques, from soil fertility management and pruning methods to pest and disease control. These interventions, Ms. Kwablah noted, are designed to improve productivity while ensuring environmental sustainability.
Social Investments in Cocoa Communities
Beyond agronomic training, Nestlé also supports cocoa-growing communities through social infrastructure projects. In 2025 alone, the company commissioned 15 boreholes and five schools in key cocoa districts. Additional facilities, including classroom blocks, toilet systems, and water infrastructure, are currently under construction.
These initiatives address critical needs in farming communities, ensuring that access to clean water, quality education, and sanitation becomes part of the cocoa sustainability journey. For Nestlé, such interventions are essential in building resilient communities where farming families can thrive across generations.
“We cannot talk about sustainability without looking at the welfare of the farmers and their families. Education, health, and access to clean water are all interconnected with agricultural productivity. That is why we take a holistic approach,” Ms. Kwablah added.
Sustaining the Cocoa Legacy
Cocoa remains a vital part of Ghana’s economy, employing millions and contributing significantly to export earnings. However, the sector faces challenges such as aging farms, low productivity, climate change, and fluctuating market prices.
By working closely with farmers, Nestlé seeks to mitigate these challenges and secure a stable supply of quality cocoa. The company’s Cocoa Plan, which aligns with global sustainability targets, is designed to support farmers with knowledge, resources, and infrastructure that enable them to adapt to changing realities while maintaining profitability.
For the farmers who toured the Tema factory, the visit underscored the global demand for their produce and the importance of maintaining high standards in cultivation. It also strengthened their belief that they are not working in isolation but as part of a larger system that values their contribution.
Looking Ahead
Nestlé Ghana has announced plans to make the factory tour an annual feature, extending the opportunity to more farmers across the country. The goal is to create stronger bonds between producers and processors, while giving farmers a sense of pride and ownership in the value chain.
As the initiative grows, Nestlé hopes it will inspire younger generations to view cocoa farming not as a livelihood of last resort, but as a profession with dignity, global impact, and sustainable potential.
Conclusion
Nestlé Ghana’s engagement with cocoa farmers highlights a business model rooted in inclusivity, sustainability, and mutual benefit. By combining agronomic training, social infrastructure, and educational exposure such as the factory tour, the company is deepening its partnerships with farmers and reinforcing its commitment to creating shared value.
For Ghana’s cocoa sector, initiatives like these are crucial in sustaining a vibrant industry that not only contributes to the economy but also uplifts the lives of those at the heart of production – the farmers.
As Nestlé continues to expand its efforts, the message is clear: when farmers thrive, businesses thrive, and communities prosper.
Contact Nestlé Ghana
📧 Email: Corporate.Affairs@gh.nestle.com
🌍 Website: www.nestle-cwa.com
📘 Facebook: facebook.com/nestlecwar
🐦 X (Twitter): @nestlecwar
▶️ YouTube: youtube.com/nestlecwar
