Soymilk production expansion

Abena Asare said 3 years ago

This is an interesting idea.

I'm wondering what type of technology (pasteurizer) you would need to further this soya business? Perhaps others working in soya processing can give you some tips on other ways to add value to your product?

How are you currently marketing/selling/distributing the soya products in Northern Ghana and how would this change with the addition of new technologies?

You mentioned that you buy locally farmed soya beans. It sounds like your idea would also have an impact on current soya farming--that more lucrative opportunities for soya farmers would arise with greater local processing capabilities?

kateschachter said 3 years ago

Kingsley and Florence Plockey have been working on this business venture, primarily using their own funds, for many years. I was one of several PCV's who have helped him research equipment, prepare a business plan, and think through the issues. After I left in February 2007, three other PCV's took up the assistance.

Mr. Plockey's request for a pasteurizer will enable them to add shelf life to their product, which was only 2-3 days at the time I left. Delivery was in person by bicycle or taxi - sometimes they were able to hire someone to do these deliveries. Pasteurization will allow them to sell larger quantities, stock milk at schools or local businesses, and sell at market locations. He has done the research on the type of pasteurizer, and can respond to that question better than I can. He has researched the business very well, talked with local soya farmers and processing plants, and visited the firm in Accra that sells the equipment. Scaling up the business will allow him to purchase soya in larger quantities at a better rate, reach out with a healthy product to more school children, and even begin doing more educational (marketing) outreach to the community about the benefits of soya.

This is a worthy project, well laid out, and has good value not only for Mr. and Mrs. Plockey, but also to provide local soya farmers, and improve the nutrition intake and health of people in the north. A successful business model can be exported to other communities throughout Ghana.

PaulSari said 3 years ago

As a PCV in Ghana I had the pleasure of working with Kingsley. His business has supplied various health clinics, schools, football clubs, businesses and community groups with quality products that make protein more available to the people of Ghana. When Kingsley gets a pasteurizer it will take his business to the next level, allowing his product to last longer and to reach more people. By producing in larger quantities his average cost will decrease and he will be more competitive in local markets.

This business has a lot of potential. I've worked with many small businesses and few of them have leadership with the enthusiasm and interest that Kingsley has. Help Kingsley take his business to the next level and make healthy soya products more widely available in Northern Ghana. I give Kingsley my full endorsement.
- Paul Sari
PCV Ghana 2005-2007
Notre Dame Mendoza College of Business, 2008-2010

adventureben said 3 years ago

Many people in my rural community mentioned enjoying soy milk products. But our remote location and lack of electricty made selling these products impossible. I think a project like this one would lead to gains in community nutirition, food stability, and the economic success of both farmers and entreapanuers like Kingsley.

adventureben said 3 years ago

Many people in my rural community mentioned enjoying soy milk products. But our remote location and lack of electricty made selling these products impossible. I think a project like this one would lead to gains in community nutirition, food stability, and the economic success of both farmers and entreapanuers like Kingsley.

cwhitmer said 3 years ago

I was the first Peace Corps Volunteer to work with Kingsley. I am so happy to see that his business has come along so well. When we first started working together the only thing we had was an idea. This goes to show that the Peace Corps does help bring development to the third world. His business will help bring jobs and a good healthy product to the people of Tamale. Hopefully, he will be able to bring his product to the entire country.

calebm12 said 3 years ago

I was the second PC volunteer to work with Kingsley. Good job Kingsley. Keep up the good work!!

ldh13 said 3 years ago

I drank Kingley's soy milk like crazy when I was in PC. I LOVED it. Fabulous soy milk! Good job!

kingsley plockey said 3 years ago

We are thinking of using a air-cooling pasteurizer, which fortunately can be supplied by a company in Accra. The company is called Cottage Italia Industries and you can visit the web site at www.cottage-industries-italia.com.

They have different sized pasteurizers ranging from 27 litres and upward. I have already been in touch with the company, and they are ready to supply me with the pasteurizer, bottles, thermometer, and corking machine. It uses gas which is easilly available in Tamale, which makes it more appropriate for our uses.

There are industries in Accra that are using the pasteurizer for pineapple and orange juices, and it makes the products good for up to one year.

ameyawt said 3 years ago

I think this is a goog idea, but the proponent of it should think about cultivating their own soy instead of buying from the local market. This will give the group a lot of options and effectiveness. That is, they will have control over shortage, pricing and quality.These factors will come together to help strengthen the group and maximise profit for the continuos growth of the project and the group which is very important.

saannan said 2 years ago

I am in Tamale and have been taking care of feeding school children from Danish fund. This project when in place can help my office to add it to our purchases for the children. Twice or three times a week for children in three basic schools will help a lot. I wish this can be started early enough for us to be one of the consumer groups.

saannan said 2 years ago

I am in Tamale and have been taking care of feeding school children from Danish fund. This project when in place can help my office to add it to our purchases for the children. Twice or three times a week for children in three basic schools will help a lot. I wish this can be started early enough for us to be one of the consumer groups.

godwill29 said 2 years ago

I only tasted it once. God knows how much i loved it. It's hard to have access to it since I'm in Accra and the production takes place in Tamale. Hope transporting it to Accra's locale would be much more possible for all to enjoy a real refreshing natural milk

agordsylva said 2 years ago

Hillary, I am here this is the one i am talking about

mustak said 2 years ago

i like the soya bean.i am here i tell my fellow members to vote massively for the soya bean company.i really love the taste.

mustak said 2 years ago

i like the soya bean.i am here i tell my fellow members to vote massively for the soya bean company.i really love the taste.

mustak said 2 years ago

i like the soya bean.i am here i tell my fellow members to vote massively for the soya bean company.i really love the taste.

MikeHenninger said 2 years ago

I know the Plockeys and I know their soy products... This is a great project! The soy milk and soy ice cream are a big hit, and a nutritious snack, but it's hard to distribute and store it without pasteurization. With a pasteurizer, Kingsley can expand his business, support farmers, and give many more people access to a healthy, locally produced food! This is a great idea for everybody; endorse it!

Nuanahr said 2 years ago

Am raelly impressed about the soyabeans Project especailly in the Northern part of Ghana .It will give farmers good prices for there products,and that will enhence their production into large scale farming and also take care of the malnutritional challenges in the northern part of Ghana.I have tasted soyamilt from a peace corps volunteer Pual sari who was a promoter of this product and i think it a good supplement for protein needs of many and i edge all to vote to make this a reality.

drstephenlaryea said 2 years ago

Well done, Kingsley.Kingsley and his wife are people who should be encouraged.Despite several obstacles they have persisted for at least five years in their effort to provide a nutritious supplement which should be added to the government's school feeding program.This will help reduce the high incidence and prevalence of malnutrition among the rural poor while providing a ready market for the soyabean producers right there in the North without the beans having to travel down south for market. A pasteurizer is greatly needed to prolong the shelf life and expand production while preserving the natural taste.Let's make this project succeed and then see how best we can replicate it in other rural poor areas with similar problems like the Central Region where I'm currently working.Kingsley's soyamilk tasted much better than any I've tasted so far in Accra and Cape Coast.Please endorse it