Cargill's Cocoa & Chocolate Business Obtains AIB Recognition for Ghana Plant

An AIB food safety auditor visited the plant to assess the company's policies, operations and the physical condition of the grounds, buildings, production and storage areas. The result was a score of 900 points out of a possible 1,000.

9 Dec 2009 --- Cargill Cocoa & Chocolate's plant in Tema, Ghana, has celebrated its first year of operation by obtaining recognition from AIB International, the first cocoa plant in Ghana to do so.

An AIB food safety auditor visited the plant to assess the company's policies, operations and the physical condition of the grounds, buildings, production and storage areas. The result was a score of 900 points out of a possible 1,000.

AIB is committed to protecting the safety of the food supply chain and delivering high value technical and educational programmes for the food industry.

Commenting on the recognition, Leo Winters, head of Cargill's cocoa operations in West Africa said: "For a plant that has been operating for just a year to become the first cocoa plant in Ghana to obtain AIB recognition really is a remarkable achievement.

"The score of 900 points out of a possible 1,000 is testament to the hard work and dedication of our staff. It is proof of Cargill's commitment to produce food to the highest standards."

Using the latest technology the Tema plant has the capacity to transform around 65,000 tonnes of cocoa beans per year into high quality cocoa butter and powders for customers around the world. Cargill Ghana is proud to produce and export a range of cocoa powder under the 'good taste of Ghana' banner.

Unlike many other plants, powders produced at Tema need no further processing elsewhere and are ready to be used by the worldwide food industry. These 100 per cent African-made powders are offered as part of the Gerkens range of cocoa powders, and have a unique, mild and rounded flavour.

The Tema plant also provides full-time employment for 200 staff and indirect employment for many more via its network of local suppliers. This supports Ghana's growing economy, providing new opportunities for Ghanaian cocoa farmers.

"Within a year the Tema plant has become a real asset to Cargill, complementing our global cocoa processing facilities and extending our range of cocoa powders. AIB recognition, which is widely regarded by food producers around the world, is the latest and very welcome stage in the development of this flagship plant for our operations in Ghana," concludes Winters.