Ondo State to export chocolates to Europe in July
Chocolates produced in Nigeria’s Ondo State would hit European markets from July beginning with the United Kingdom (UK).
The Managing Director of Sunshine Chocolate Factory, Robo Adhuze, disclosed this while speaking at a media parley in Akure, the Ondo State capital.
(Nigeria is a leading player in the global cocoa industry, being the fourth largest producer, covering 6.5% share of global production).
Adhuze said the export of chocolate bars, produced at the recently-completed factory at Alade Idanre in the State, would increase revenue from non-oil exports and Nigeria’s economic development.
He noted that the chocolate bars would be launched in London by the Nigerian High Commissioner to the UK, Ambassador Sarafa Isola.
“The Nigeria’s High Commissioner to the UK is eager to launch the product in London.
“He has even invited us to the UK to exhibit our products, but we are waiting to complete all necessary documentation.
“We are the ones slowing things down as we want to ensure a hitch-free exercise otherwise, the launch would have taken place in February.
“The launch of the chocolate in London in July will be the precursor to the exportation of our products to the UK.
“This year, we would have our first official export as virtually everything is set.
“Documentation in Nigeria and the UK is the only issue we are tackling now,” he said.
Also, the Managing Director said soon after hitting Europe, the chocolates would be exported to Canada and the U.S. before the end of the year.
He said the company’s exploratory team to Canada would return soon, after which a date would be fixed for its launch in that country.
He added that the U.S. belt would follow in quick succession, even as the chocolate bars were already on sale there and in other parts of the world, though unofficially.
“The scheduled official launches would bring in foreign exchange as all documentation must have been completed.
“The launch of the chocolate in London in July will be the precursor to the exportation of our products to the UK.
“This year, we would have our first official export as virtually everything is set,” he noted.
The Sunshine Chocolate Factory is a Public-Private Partnership between the Ondo State
Government and an indigenous company, Schokville Ltd, and its chocolates are the first to be produced in Nigeria from farm to bar.
Source: Agro Nigeria
