German Startup Koa Boosts Ghanaian Farmers' Income by Tackling Cocoa Waste
German startup Koa is tackling cocoa industry waste while supporting Ghanaian farmers. The company focuses on cocoa pulp, typically discarded, to create value-added products and boost farmers' income. This comes as a timely measure amidst extreme weather, crop diseases, and a looming chocolate shortage due to dying cocoa trees.
Koa's innovative approach targets the 70% of cacao fruit waste generated during chocolate production. The startup has launched Cocoa Fruit Shots, each serving providing the daily recommended vitamin C intake. These come in three flavours: Koa Pure, Koa Boost, and Koa Energize. By valorising this key sidestream, Koa not only reduces waste but also provides additional income for smallholder farmers.
Koa works directly with farmers to reduce on-farm waste and generate extra income. In Ghana, farmers earn nearly double under Koa compared to Fairtrade standards. This initiative comes at a crucial time, with global cocoa stocks at their lowest in a decade due to climate change.
Koa's focus on cocoa pulp waste is a win-win situation. It promotes sustainability and value addition in the cocoa supply chain, supports Ghanaian farmers financially, and reduces waste in the chocolate industry. As climate change threatens cocoa trees, Koa's innovative approach offers a beacon of hope for a sustainable future in the chocolate industry.
