Akwaaba Fine Foods

Mildred Akotia is passionate about proper packaging. While studying in the UK, she noted a distinct difference in the way African foods were packaged compared to other foreign foods, “Our packaging was really primitive and I was like, if we have to compete internationally, we need to have a very good image of African foods,” she said. A food enthusiast with a BSc in biochemistry and an MSc in Food Production Management, Mildred brought a scientist’s eye to properly branding and marketing Akwaaba Fine Foods, her line of African snacks and condiments.  She started with Ghanaian cashew nuts and egusi (melon) seeds, items she feels can compete in a broader foreign market. “Everybody knows about Indian food and Chinese and Italian food and little is known about African foods. So much more is needed to promote it,” said Mildred.