Chocolates produced in Ondo State will hit European markets from July beginning with the United Kingdom,Managing Director of Sunshine Chocolate Factory,Robo Adhuze,has said.
The Sunshine Chocolate Factory is a Public Private Partnership between Ondo State government and an indigenous company, Schokville Ltd.
He told newsmen that export of chocolate bars from Nigeria would increase revenue from non-oil exports for the country as well as boost the state’s economic development.
He announced that the chocolate bars would be launched in London by the Nigeria High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Amb. Sarafa Isola.
He added:“The Nigeria High Commissioner to the UK is eager to launch the product in London. He has even invited us to the UK to exhibit our products, but we are waiting to complete all necessary documentation.We are the ones slowing things down as we want to ensure a hitch-free exercise otherwise, the launch would have taken place in February or last weekend.
“The launch of the chocolate in London in July will be the precursor to the exportation of our products to the UK.This year, we would have our first official export as virtually everything is set. Documentation in Nigeria and in the UK is the only issue we are tackling for now”
The Ondo state’s chocolates would be exported to Canada and the U.S.A before end of year after hitting Europe ,he said.
He also said the company’s exploratory team to Canada would return soon and a date would be fixed for the Canada launch, while the U.S.A, would follow in quick succession.
He disclosed that the chocolate bars were already on sale in the United States and other parts of the world, though unofficially.
“The scheduled official launches would bring in foreign exchange as all documentations must have been completed,” he added.
The managing director affirmed that the Ondo State government was not interfering in its operations, even as it is a stakeholder.
Mr Adhuze expressed the company’s appreciation to the state government for its support and patronage.
He said the company’s chocolates are the first to be produced in Nigeria from farm to bar, explaining that the company monitored all the process, beginning from the planting of the cocoa used.
