A company behind the popular Gino brand called GB Foods has announced plans to invest US$70million into tomato production and processing in a major boost for tomato production in the country.
The project involves establishing two industrial farms, each spanning approximately 5000 hectares, accompanied by a factory to process fresh produce.
The goal is to help the country achieve self-sufficiency in tomato production and become an export hub for not only the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), but also the entire African continent.
The project is expected to create about 5000 direct jobs, in addition to indirect jobs.
Currently, the company is in the process of identifying suitable lands in Accra Plains, Afram Plains and Bui Plains – where soil, hydrology and topographic tests will be conducted to ensure the veracity of the land.
It is being done in collaboration with the Ministry of Food and Agriculture, Ministry of Trade, and other agencies like Ghana Irrigation Development Authority (GIDA).
Once the tests are completed, the team will move to the next phase, which involves conducting agronomic trials to determine the suitable seed for the full-scale project, Dr. Teddy Ngu, GB Foods’ Corporate Affairs Director added.
GB Foods Supply Chain Director for Africa, Chattopadhyay Rajib, said the factory boosts a total capacity of approximately 250,000 metric tonnes of tomatoes.
Currently, the company produces around 350 tonnes per day and plans to invest US$2million each year in capital expenditure to expand its facility to meet consumer demand.
In Ghana, GB Foods business is almost worth GH¢1billion, with its tomato mix products being market leaders.
Globally, its turnover is around €1.5billion, and in Africa, the company has independent businesses in Nigeria, Ghana, Algeria, Western Francophone and Central East Africa.
