Africa economy
Fruit juices, a Beninese entrepreneurial passion
Audio 02:21
Abraham Yekpè, creator of the Beninese brand "So fruity" of fresh fruit juices.
© Olivier Rogez / RFI
By: Olivier Rogez Follow
2 mins
In Benin, the processing of agricultural products has become the watchword of the government.
One sector is particularly concerned, that of pineapple, a true national agricultural emblem.
SMEs that are launching into the production of fresh or pasteurized, organic or conventional fruit juices are flourishing.
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“
This is where the fruit is stored when it comes to the factory and then we take it to this tunnel to be peeled.
In Calavi, in the greater suburbs of Cotonou, Abraham Yekpè welcomes us to his villa transformed into a fruit juice production unit: “
In a few months, we will have two large presses which will allow us to reach our capacity.
»
Five years ago, then aged 42, this banker decided to change his life to launch his brand of fresh fruit juice, So Fruity.
A top-of-the-range product, without additives or preservatives, which has forged a fine reputation in just a few months.
So much so that the President of the Republic Patrice Talon consumes it regularly, according to Abraham Yekpe who composes the cocktails marketed himself.
“
The one we sell the most is called Anamentha.
It's a registered trademark, a creation: it's pineapple with mint.
After that, we have Angie, a mix of pineapple and ginger.
But my crush is Amber!
It is a detox based on pineapple, cucumber and mint
.
»
Pineapple, a juicy market
The Beninese pineapple has made the reputation of the country.
It is the preferred product for SMEs working in fruit juices.
Rawlings Gnanga, which created the Camael brand, offers both organic juices and juices made from fruits from conventional agriculture: "
Organic juice, I make the pack of 24 bottles at 15,000 CFA francs, so than conventional juice, I make the pack at 16,000 francs.
»
Whether organic or conventional, the Beninese pineapple is in high demand in West Africa.
Abraham Yekpè therefore seeks to secure his supplies.
“
We have put production on hold, but we will come back to it very soon, with organic production,
assures the entrepreneur
.
This will allow us to further improve our product in order to be able to export it
”
For the time being, Abraham Yekpè's company is struggling to develop due to a lack of investment credits.
But fortunately, Belgian cooperation has come forward and is going to finance the construction of a production unit which will make it possible to increase production tenfold.
An opportunity that many Beninese SMEs would like to have, because banks are cautious and state-guaranteed loans are far too rare.
Abraham Yekpè begins to dream.
“
The dream in fifteen years
is
to be the Coca-Cola of fruit juices!
The Beninese miracle!
»
► Also to listen: In Benin, the cashew nut sector is changing
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Benign
Cooperation and Development
Agriculture and Fishing