DecoKraft is a Ghanaian company that produces handmade chocolates under the Kabi Chocolates brand. The company was established in 2013. The founder Akua Obenewaa Donkor (33) answered our question.
DecoKraft specializes in producing high-quality chocolate from Ghanaian cocoa beans. For many years, local supermarkets have been filled with imported or foreign brands of chocolate, and it is absolutely necessary to produce high-quality chocolate locally. This is why DecoKraft decided to engage in chocolate manufacturing.
Chocolate coating machine: This machine is a special equipment for coating various chocolates.
Conch: Conching is a process used in the production of chocolate. The cocoa butter is evenly distributed in the chocolate through a surface scraping mixer and agitator (called a conch) and acts as a “polishing agent” for the particles. It also promotes flavor development through frictional heat, release of volatiles and acids, and oxidation.
Chocolate Molding Factory: This is an advanced equipment with mechanical and electrical control, specially used for chocolate molding. The entire production line is automated, including mold heating, deposition, vibration, cooling, demolding and conveying. The pouring rate is also more accurate.
The new production plant will enable Kabi Chocolates to increase production and increase product variety.
International cocoa prices directly affect us. Even if we are located in a country where cocoa is produced, the products are still sold to us at international prices. The dollar exchange rate will also affect our business and increase production costs.
Social media marketing has always been one of our main forms of marketing because it strives to provide users with content that they consider valuable and want to share on their social networks; this leads to increased visibility and traffic. We use Facebook and Instagram to showcase our products and engage with existing and potential customers.
My most exciting entrepreneurial moment was when Prince Charles met him when he visited Ghana. He is someone I will only see on TV or read in books. It is incredible to have the opportunity to meet him. Chocolate took me to places I had never imagined, and it was really exciting to meet VIPs.
At the beginning of the establishment of the company, I received an order from a large company over the phone. I heard “three sizes, 50 kinds of each”, but when I delivered it later, they said they only wanted 50 kinds of one size. I have to find a way to sell the other 100 units. I quickly learned that every transaction must have supporting documents. It does not have to be a formal contract (it can be via WhatsApp or SMS), but each order must include a reference point.