Ghanaian growers have the potential to make a name for themselves in a number of fresh produce areas, in addition to flagship products such as pineapples. This is according to Eding Alexander Paddy, CEO of ADEAF Crystal Entreprise, who adds, "In chilies and habaneros, for example, we can make a strong case for ourselves."
The grower describes the production landscape for chilies in Ghana: "The most widely produced variety is legon18. Other varieties are widely grown, such as 1.2, bird's eye, and others. The vast majority of production takes place in open fields. There's more and more production under greenhouses using irrigation, which will lengthen the season."
© ADEAF Crystal Entreprise
Last season gave growers reason to believe in an increased interest in Ghanaian chilies. Paddy explains that "demand for chilies and habanero has been strong, and exports have reached various markets, particularly the UK and the Netherlands. Next season will tell us whether this trend will be maintained."
Strong demand has pushed up prices, but they remain very competitive, according to Paddy: "Prices have varied from 15 to 18 euros per 5 kg box. However, prices will certainly rise this season. In addition to the expected increase in demand, production costs have risen, from seeds to all other inputs."
"What I want to emphasize is that the quality of Ghana's fresh produce exports is strictly controlled by various bodies such as VEPEAG (Vegetable Exporters And Producers Association Of Ghana), GEPA (Ghana Export Promotion Authority), and PPRSD (Plant Protection And Regulatory Services Directorate); and that growers and exporters adhere to uncompromising requirements to ensure compliance with the standards of destination markets," Paddy concludes.
According to GEPA, "Chilli Pepper is currently the leading vegetable export from Ghana with the main markets being the U.K., France, the Netherlands, and Germany. The Ghanaian origin offers many reasons to buy, including the high quality of chili pepper produced and GLOBALGAP certified, year-round production." The same source adds that "large volumes of chilis from Ghana can be delivered at short notice."
For more information:
Eding Alexander Paddy
ADEAF Crystal Entreprise
Tel: +233206623850
Email: paddyedingalex@gmail.com