From Ghana with Crunch: Coconut Chips

Capturing the taste of a sunny day? It's possible. We do it, every day. Want to know how? Then take a peek into where a real wanderlust snack is born from traditional craftsmanship. And where people live better because we like to snack better. Sounds dramatic, but it's a beautiful reality.

Anna Moscagiuri

18.04.2024

in #Produkt-Stories

Lesedauer: 5 Minuten

Ghana: Sun-Kissed with a Hint of Coconut

Lush landscapes and a gloriously tropical climate – that's Ghana, a West African country where the sun shines tirelessly and the scent of adventure lingers in the air. Here, we find a vast region dedicated to coconut cultivation. This special place by the Atlantic Ocean is the birthplace of our coconut chips.

Timeless Through the Seasons

In Ghana's western regions, where nature still seems untouched, coconut palms are cultivated in traditional groves. These palm groves are a legacy passed down from generation to generation, a testament to people's connection with their land. The coconut, a symbol of vitality, knows no season. It provides people here with a reliable source of income all year round – especially when other fruits like mangoes are out of season.

Through Thick Bush and Narrow Paths

Young coconut palms bear their first fruits after 4 to 8 years. Once the round tropical treasures are ripe, they literally drop and wait on the ground until diligent hands collect them. While it may sound simple, this harvest is no easy feat. Farmers often have to climb steep slopes or fight through dense undergrowth to find the precious fruits, as the groves are part of the natural landscape. Here, cultivation and sustainability intertwine in a fruitful way.

Soft Shell Over Hard Core

Freshly harvested, coconuts aren't as brown as we know them. They have a green, still relatively soft shell surrounding the hard nut core. This changes, however, when the nuts arrive at their next station for "dehusking". First, the soft green shell is removed, which is crucial to get to the hard brown nut and its valuable white interior. After a careful quality check and a cleaning process, where each nut is cleaned by mechanical brushes and washed in a water bath, it's ready for the next stage.

First Crack, Then Snack

In the factory, skilled hands crack open the hard brown shell. The white flesh is then carefully washed and cut into pieces. From there, machines take over, shaping the coconut flesh into the characteristic chip form and drying them to the perfect crunch point. This process takes about 13 to 15 hours. Once completed, there's no stopping them: Freshly packed, they begin their journey to us in Ulm. And from here, it surely won't be long before they crunch their way right into your heart.

From Tropical Rain to Coconut Water

Growing and processing coconuts is water-intensive. That's why we collect excess water during the rainy season and treat it to responsibly meet the high demand of coconut plantations. This way, we conserve natural resources while ensuring our production processes don't strain the local ecosystem. By using innovative water treatment and storage technologies, we actively contribute to environmental protection and promote sustainability in the region.

Our Recipe for Good Cooperation

No matter which of our products we're talking about: The well-being of local people is always a central concern for us. That's why we're constantly thinking about how we can create pleasant working conditions in the country, especially at the work sites. We aim for circumstances that make for good living and working. We for instance ensure safe transportation for our employees, offer them daily warm meals, and have built a preschool for employees' children to promote education and to foster an environment in which family and career are compatible.

Our philosophy is built around the belief that sustainable progress is primarily based on care and responsibility. We’re committed to not only improving our products, but also the lives of the people who make them.

Enjoyment with a Clear Conscience

You are what you eat. As such, it only makes sense for us to show you how and where your snacks come to life. But enough talk – where are the stars? Grab your crunchy coconut chips from our traditional groves in Ghana. Guaranteed from a good home and raised with love. <3