A sense of celebration filled the air, mingled with the rich scent of fresh pineapple, as guests arrived at the Promo Fruits Pineapple Processing Factory in Allada, approximately an hour’s journey from Cotonou, Benin. Held on Thursday, April 18, 2024, the long-awaited ceremony celebrating the expansion of the pineapple juice factory was a resounding success. The event was attended by over 140 people, including several dignitaries such as representatives of the Minister of State in charge of Development and Coordination of Government Action, Mr. Rachidi B. Radji; the Minister of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries, Mr. Moreno Dadjo; Mayor of Allada, Mr. Paul Armel Gbedji; and USAID’s Country Representative, Mr. Stephen Haykin.
Distinguished guests at the event included USAID’s Country Representative Mr. Stephen Haykin and Mr. Rachidi B. Radji from the Ministry of State in charge of Development and Coordination of Government Action.
The event began with a video presentation showcasing Promo Fruits’ successful implementation of its Trade Hub project, featuring footage from their recently completed mango processing factory in N’Dali in northern Benin. This facility processes 100 metric tons per day and provides significant market access to numerous producers in a region known for mango production.
In April 2022, through Prosper Africa, the Trade Hub awarded a $2 million co-investment grant to Promo Fruits to significantly increase its local fruit processing capacity for sub-regional and international markets from 40 to 200 metric tons per day through the expansion of the Allada facility where the ceremony took place. Promo Fruits’ co-investment project benefits participating pineapple, mango, and citrus producers by providing training, finance access, and guaranteed produce purchase.
Technical assistance provided by the Trade Hub supported Promo Fruits in making a definite impact regarding climate change resilience and empowering underrepresented groups. The company prioritized sustainability at its Allada site by switching to a biomass steam boiler fueled by palm nutshells and other biowaste—reducing diesel usage by 30 percent and resulting in $75,611 in annual energy cost savings.
During the last fiscal year, Promo Fruits impacted over 6,000 farmers with these interventions and supports—including 25 percent women and 32 percent youth—proving successful integration into the agricultural supply chain.
The ceremony featured speeches from dignitaries encouraging support for individuals like Mr. Dieu-Donné Alladjodjo (CEO Promo Fruits Benin) who are actively changing economic realities for thousands in Benin. Mr. Moreno Dadjo expressed gratitude for Promo Fruits' work to “facilitate an outlet for agricultural producers who are in a sector where perishability is a permanent risk.”
USAID’s Country Representative Mr. Stephen Haykin stated that “Promo Fruits is an eloquent example of collaboration within the Prosper Africa initiative to support trade and investment between the United States and Africa.” The ceremony included award presentations to three top producers from Promo Fruits followed by a factory tour.
The tour led by CEO Dieu-Donné Alladjodjo allowed distinguished guests to observe the sterile environment certified with internationally recognized food and health standards where juice is produced for direct sales or export.
The celebration acknowledged investments made by all stakeholders—especially those by CEO Dieu-Donné Alladjodjo—and highlighted Promo Fruits as an example of how public-private partnerships can advance development in West Africa.
For more information about this event visit: FraterniteBJ.info | LeRural.bj | LeRural Benin TV
Alerts Sign-up