The client
The client for this project was a major producer and aggregator of fresh fruits in northern Ghana. Founded in 2007, the company operates a ~500-acre farm producing mango, pineapple, papaya, and supplementary crops including maize and cassava. The company has established trade partnerships with leading processors and exporters of fruit in the country and sources additional volumes from a network of smallholder farmers for sale to local off-takers. They also occasionally export to European markets. The company employs local workers across its farming and trading operations and plays a significant role in creating economic opportunity for smallholder farmers in the surrounding communities.
The background
Ghana is a leading producer and exporter of tropical fruits in West Africa, with mango, pineapple, and papaya accounting for the majority of fruit exports. However, the sector faces considerable challenges. Post-harvest losses across the fruit value chain are estimated at approximately 30%, meaning that large volumes of fruit that could otherwise be processed or exported are lost each year.
The processed fruit market in Ghana is dominated by a small number of large companies, with the majority of processing capacity concentrated in the south, leaving smallholder farmers in the middle-belt and northern regions with limited options for selling their produce. At the same time, global demand for dried tropical fruits, particularly naturally dried products, is growing, driven by shifting consumer preferences toward healthier snacking options and the expanding middle classes in key export markets across Europe, the Middle East, and Asia.
The problem
The client sought to forward-integrate along the fruit value chain by establishing a modern post-harvest fruit processing terminal, which would reduce post-harvest spoilage and enable the organisation to capture the higher margins available in processed and export-grade dried fruit markets.
The client recognised that a processing facility would not only transform its own business but also provide a reliable market for the hundreds of smallholder farmers who supply it with raw fruit. However, before committing to a significant capital investment, the company and its funding partners, which included a leading African agrifood development programme required a rigorous, independent feasibility assessment that would evaluate market demand, technical requirements, financial viability, and export readiness before ultimately delivering a clear go or no-go investment recommendation.
The solution
Farrelly Mitchell was engaged to conduct a comprehensive feasibility study covering the market, technical, and financial aspects of establishing a processing facility capable of delivering 5,000 MT of dried fruit per annum.
The engagement began with a detailed market analysis which assessed global, regional, and domestic supply and demand dynamics for dried mango, pineapple, and papaya. The team analysed trade flows, identified leading importers and exporters, mapped the competitive landscape for both Ghana and West Africa, and profiled target customer segments in both local retail and international export markets. The team also assessed pricing dynamics, regulatory requirements, and market entry conditions for key European export destinations, and assessed emerging demand from the Middle East and Turkey.
Following this, our team conducted extensive primary research, engaging directly with key stakeholders in the fruit value chain through one-on-one interviews and focus group discussions. As part of this process, the team conducted site visits and met with key value chain actors, including out-growers, processors, exporters, commodity sellers, extension service providers, and regulatory authorities. This was supplemented by a focus group discussion with mango, pineapple, and papaya grower associations.
A thorough technical assessment examined the full value chain from sourcing raw materials through to finished product. It evaluated the client’s existing farming operations, including their out-grower model and supply network. It also analysed the availability and quality of raw materials and identified the processing technology and equipment required for a commercial-scale drying operation.
In order to develop raw material supply projections, satellite and remote sensing data were used to map specific areas of mango production in the middle belt and northern regions. The study also included a thorough review of export requirements, covering contaminant controls, pesticide residue limits, microbiological standards, product specifications, packaging and labelling requirements, as well as the food safety certifications and standards that would be needed to access European markets.
The financial assessment comprised a detailed ten-year financial model covering projected revenues, capital expenditure, and operating costs. To stress-test the model, the team tested five scenarios: one base case representing the most likely outcome and four alternatives that adjusted key variables to see how the project’s returns would hold up under less favourable and more favourable conditions. The model included an evaluation of key financial indicators such as IRR, NPV, EBITDA, and payback period.
The team also assessed the environmental and social impact of the proposed facility, mapping its contribution to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, evaluating both direct and indirect impacts on the local community and wider environment.
The project culminated in a comprehensive feasibility report which included a market analysis, technical and operational recommendations, a validated financial model, an environmental and social impact assessment, and a clear set of prioritised recommendations for the client and its investment partners.
The impact
Ultimately Farrelly Mitchell’s analysis provided a robust evidence base that would enable the client to move forward with a project implementation plan and capital raise. We equipped the client with a detailed operational roadmap, market analysis and technical assessment which provided clear guidance on processing equipment, facility layout, staffing models, and the quality certifications required for market access.
Recommendations regarding out-grower management and training would address both raw material quality and the broader objective of improving livelihoods across the supply chain. The environmental and social impact assessment demonstrated that the project would contribute positively to local employment, food security, and waste reduction, reinforcing the case for investment from development-focused funding partners.
Forge ahead with Farrelly Mitchell
At Farrelly Mitchell, our food and agribusiness experts provide a wide range of commercial, operational, and technical support to food and agribusinesses around the globe. Our ability to deliver comprehensive, investment-grade feasibility assessments that combine rigorous market intelligence with practical technical and financial analysis sets us apart in the agri-food advisory space. We support clients through the provision of feasibility studies, market analysis, risk assessments, financial models, technical and commercial due diligence, supply chain development and food safety advisory. To explore how Farrelly Mitchell can support your next agri-food investment, contact our team today.
