Food System Lab Accra’s pilot supports food companies in adopting innovative food products based on local ingredients
To promote the adoption of seven innovative food products developed from indigenous crops and fish species, HealthyFoodAfrica project’s Food System Lab Accra operated by the CSIR-Food Research Institute organized several workshops and hands-on training sessions. These targeted small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in food processing and vending are referred to as uptakers.
The selected uptakers, mainly women, were trained in manufacturing practices, processing techniques, packaging, storage, business model development, and marketing strategies. By incorporating gender mainstreaming strategies, the program empowered these entrepreneurs with practical knowledge and skills to integrate innovative food products into their businesses.
Business Support and Product Registration
For uptakers whose businesses were not officially registered with the Registrar General’s Department, Food System Lab Accra provided assistance in formalizing their enterprises. Additionally, support was offered in selecting appropriate packaging materials, designing labels, conducting laboratory analysis, and ensuring product compliance.
The innovative food products were submitted to the Food and Drugs Authority for registration. After a rigorous approval process, they received certification valid for three years, after which renewal will be required. Food System Lab Accra has also adopted and registered some of these innovative products (see picture below).
Companies and Their Selected Products
| Company Name | Product |
|---|---|
| Delle’s Coast | Koobi in Oil & Fruity Soy Pancake |
| Lyn May from Farm to Fork | Instant Cereal & Fish Chips |
| Selasie Foods | Koose Mix & Instant Cereal |
| Daa Fisheries Training Center | Fish Chips & Okro and Ademe |
| Aquatic Foods | Fish Chips & Koobi in Oil |
| Yokheved Enterprise | Fruity Soy Pancake Mix & Koose Mix |
| Ndudu Foods & Beverages | Koobi in Oil & Okro and Ademe |
| Kafel Farms | Fish Sausage |
| Okyeadie Foods | Instant Cereal & Koose Mix |
| Food System Lab Accra | Pancake Mix, Soy Pancake Mix, Koose Mix, Cereal Mix, Okro and Ademe. Plans for further registrations are underway. |
Expanding Market Presence
These innovative food products are now available on store shelves across Ghana and are gaining significant consumer interest. Given the widespread distribution of training manuals, it is possible that other SMEs have also started producing similar products independently.
The introduction of these innovative food products contributes to healthier dietary options, promotes food diversity, generates employment, and most importantly, enhances food security in Ghana.
Authors:
Amy Atter1, Stephen Nketia1, Evelyn Serwa Ayeh1, Queronica Q. Quartey2, Frank Peget, Alice Padi, Patricia Mensah1, Richel Boateng Oppong1, Dorcas Thompson1, Ethel Blessie1, Mary Obodai1, Papa Toah Akonor1, Wisdom Amoa-Awua1, Seth Koranteng Agyakwah3
1CSIR- Food Research Institute
2Labour Productivity Centre
3CSIR- Water Research Institute