Nestlé Deepens Cocoa Partnership with Farmers Through Shared Value Investments

For the group of 15 cocoa farmers invited to Nestlé Ghana’s Tema factory, the experience was both educational and inspiring. Many of them, though seasoned in cultivating cocoa, had never witnessed how their beans are transformed into world-renowned products like Milo.

Walking through the factory floors, seeing the machinery in motion, and tasting the final products created a sense of pride and renewed appreciation for their work. The farmers described the visit as eye-opening, saying it gave them a deeper understanding of the value chain and their critical role in sustaining it.

Anthony Owusu, a farmer from Adansi Fumesekitua, said the tour had changed his perspective. “This is the first time I have seen how cocoa from our farms ends up in Milo and other Nestlé products. I am taking this knowledge back to my community so other farmers can understand the value of what we produce,” he said.

Another farmer, Thomas Oduro also from Adansi Fumesekitua, shared similar sentiments. “When I first entered the factory, I thought I was in the wrong place. But after the tour, I felt at home and overly impressed. Today, I feel overjoyed and confident about the role we farmers play in creating these world-class products,” he added.

Shared Value Beyond the Farm
Corporate Communications Manager of Nestlé Ghana, Deborah Kwablah, described the engagement as central to the company’s philosophy of creating shared value. She explained that Nestlé’s work with farmers goes beyond sourcing raw materials, focusing instead on building sustainable livelihoods through agronomic training, infrastructure provision, and social interventions.

“We train farmers in the right agronomic practices so they can increase yields and improve their livelihoods. When they get better returns from their land, Nestlé also benefits by securing the quality cocoa we need for our products. That is why we call it shared value, it’s about creating opportunities for both the farmer and the business,” Ms. Kwablah said.

Investments in Community Infrastructure
She noted that Nestlé’s support extends well beyond the farm. In several cocoa-growing communities, the company has built and rehabilitated schools, provided toilet facilities, and commissioned boreholes to improve access to safe drinking water. Just this year, Nestlé commissioned 15 boreholes and five new schools, while continuing to expand investments in health and education infrastructure.

“These interventions are not charity, but they are investments in sustainability. If farmers have access to water, schools, and healthcare, they can dedicate more time to farming and ensure their children are educated for the future,” Ms. Kwablah added.

Towards Annual Engagements
Nestlé intends to make the factory visit an annual feature, giving farmers a sense of ownership and pride in the value chain. “These farmers are not just farmers, they are leaders in their communities who train others in proper agronomic practices. Bringing them here motivates them, and through them, thousands of other farmers benefit,” Ms. Kwablah explained.

A Sustainable Model for Ghana’s Cocoa Sector
For Nestlé, the initiative demonstrates how aligning corporate objectives with farmer welfare can build stronger, more resilient supply chains. By investing in both productivity and social infrastructure, the company is strengthening its raw material base while empowering rural communities.

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