Huilerie Royale
Coconut Oil Cold-Pressed for Royalty
In Benin where Armel Ahimakin was born, coconut oil is practically a natural treasure. Coconut trees dot the seaside landscape of Cotonou, providing a bounty of uses from charcoal bricks from coconut debris, to mulch and of course pure virgin coconut oil. Armel, a trained agronomist, taps into all of these uses with Huilerie Royale, a company he founded that works with a cooperative of 30 women farmers to produce coconut, sesame and other natural oils. Huilerie Royale uses modern cold-pressed oil extraction methods that observes the traditional process to preserve a high concentration of nutrients and benefits. “I want our coconut oil to be seen in the same way as the imported variety which is not comparable in terms of nutritional quality,” said Armel.
Est. 2017
Huilerie Royale
Why did you start your business?
To respond to the growing demand for coconut oil in Benin and elsewhere in Africa.
What motivates you?
The group of 30 women who work in the cooperative and my love for what they do.
What do you wish people knew about your business?
Huilerie Royale modernizes traditional extraction techniques to preserves the nutritional quality of cold-pressed oil. In addition to coconut oil, we add value to coconut debris to make charcoal bricks and coconut fiber cloth.
What makes you awesome?
I like other people and I really like interacting with those around me.
What's the first thing you do when you wake up?
I read the news to know what's happening in the world.
What is your favorite detoxing regimen?
Eat once a day or only eat vegetables and fruits for one month.
What's the last thing you do before you sleep?
I take stock of my day and plan my agenda for the next day.
How do you like to have fun?
On the weekend, I like spending time with my nephews and playing different games with them.
What do you love most about Africa?
I like the social aspect of Africa that I don't find in Europe.
What frustrates you the most about Africa?
What frustrates me the most is the alienation of African people from their natural resources.
Huilerie Royale Extra Virgin Coconut Oil is cold-pressed using traditional cold-press extraction methods to preserve nutrients.
