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UNIDO Empowering Entrepreneurs: The Success Story of Jodacy Plus
UNIDO through the European Union financed West Africa Competitiveness Programme (WACOMP) over the years has been supporting Micro Small and medium-sized enterprises struggling to be competitive and ready for larger markets.
Several entrepreneurs were having difficulties with establishing effective processes and quality systems.
Ms. Josephine Oduro Boateng is among the entrepreneurs who have benefited from WACOMP – Ghana and shares her story about her journey with the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO).
"Jodacy Plus has been a part of the WACOMP-Ghana since 2019 as a beneficiary of the fruits cluster. With all the training and coaching we have received from UNIDO, we have become a world-class brand. We are currently exporting mango snacks and granola, with dried mangoes, and receiving orders through the online marketing platform at https://www.plendify.com/shop/jozy-snacks
Jodacy Plus was established in the latter part of 2018 as a business aimed at creating additional income while addressing the seasonal availability of Josephine Oduro Boateng's family's favourite fruits: mango, pineapple, and coconut.
Motivated by the local farmers and driven by the desire to reduce post-harvest losses, Josephine, along with her two teenage sons and her father, created the brand "Jozy Snacks," which initially offered dried fruit snacks and later expanded to include granola fruit mix and mango mix.
Ms. Josephine Oduro Boateng, CEO of Jodacy Plus
"We were fortunate to have been contacted by UNIDO in 2019 during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic to benefit from the fruits cluster programme. The project provided us with extensive training in product development, networking, bookkeeping, costing, financial management, branding, and business coaching. As a result, I have participated in trade shows and exhibitions both locally and internationally, which has significantly increased our business exposure and contributed to the growth of our business," says Josephine.
After undergoing training on Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), Josephine emphasized that the training significantly contributed to her business obtaining the necessary certifications for her processed fruit products.
"The training was extremely beneficial, especially for a start-up or a new company. Through the programme, my team and I learned how to process fruits without risking contamination. We also gained insight into HACCP and the importance of consistently following the correct processes at the factory. As a result, all our products are now certified by the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) with technical and financial assistance from UNIDO."
Post UNIDO Intervention:
Jodacy Plus began supplying to most shops and supermarkets in Accra with Jozy Snacks Dried Mango Chips, Dried Pineapple Chips, Coconut Chips, Coconut flakes with Ginger, Cashew Nuts, and Granola.
The company also had a contract with Vivo Energy to supply to their shops. Later on, they also established partnerships with China Mall, Shell, Exim Bank, and other supermarkets and shops where we supply the products.
They have been featured in some of the local national print and electronic media, enhancing their business presence and revenue.
The company currently have 6 permanent staff and three casual employees.
Cluster Collaboration:
As part of the UNIDO Fruits Cluster in the Southern zone, Josephine collaborates with other members to trade among themselves and work together to achieve common business goals.
"The future looks very bright for us, as some of our cluster members have approached us for a B2B business deal. Our network of customers is increasing. Our client and customer base has expanded. Our next step will be scaling up for exporting under the African Continental Free Trade Area."
"After receiving support and training from UNIDO, my business perspectives improved. Despite my busy schedule as a staff member of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), I worked tirelessly to implement everything I learned under the WACOMP - Ghana programme. This improved my branding and packaging, and I started partnerships with some supermarkets in Ghana and achieved a lot with my cluster network increasing our client base,
Josephine Oduro Boateng at one of the exhibitions organized by EU financed WACOMP - Ghana
Granola mango mix, one of the popular products of Jodacy Plus on the market
