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Fresh organic ingredients from a small-scale farmer In recent years, the demand for organically certified products has risen sharply, signaling a profound shift in consumer preferences. This trend reflects heightened awareness of food quality, health implications, and the broader environmental consequences of purchasing decisions. As knowledge of the risks associated with synthetic chemicals, pesticides, and genetically modified organisms (GMOs) expands, consumers increasingly favor products derived from certified organic practices. Ultra‑processed foods are linked to millions of deaths globally each year. The World Health Organization (WHO) identifies them, alongside alcohol, tobacco, and fossil fuels, as contributing to 19 million deaths annually worldwide , with ultra‑processed foods alone responsible for a significant share of this burden Choosing organic is not a passing fad but a deliberate commitment to health, sustainability, and quality. Organic agriculture emphasizes natural processes and materials, enhancing nutritional value while safeguarding ecosystems. By eschewing synthetic fertilizers and harmful pesticides, it fosters biodiversity, strengthens soil health, and reduces pollution, thereby contributing to long‑term environmental resilience. The health advantages of organic foods are well documented. Studies indicate that they often contain higher concentrations of essential nutrients, antioxidants, and vitamins than conventionally grown alternatives. Moreover, the absence of chemical residues makes them a safer option, particularly for vulnerable populations such as children and expectant mothers. Beyond health and environmental benefits, organic consumption supports local economies. Many organic farms are small-scale and family-owned, meaning that consumer choices directly sustain rural livelihoods, encourage sustainable agricultural practices, and reinforce community resilience. This article will examine the multifaceted importance of organic certified products in contemporary society. It will explore the relationship between organic farming and environmental health, assess the nutritional advantages of organic foods, and highlight the role of conscious consumerism in strengthening local economies. By appreciating these interconnected benefits, consumers can align their choices with their values and contribute to a healthier, more sustainable future. Understanding Organic Certified Products Organic certification is both financially demanding and procedurally rigorous, requiring farmers to invest between $750–$3,500 annually for small farms  and $2,000–$5,000 or more for larger operations , depending on acreage, crop diversity, and the certifying authority. Beyond these costs, producers must undergo a three‑year transition period , maintain meticulous records, and submit to annual inspections  to demonstrate strict adherence to organic standards. Certification signifies compliance with stringent regulatory frameworks that prohibit synthetic chemicals, pesticides, and genetically modified organisms, while mandating practices that preserve ecological balance, biodiversity, and consumer health. Rigorous oversight ensures authenticity, offering educated consumers' confidence in both the integrity of the product and the sustainability of the production methods. Key components include: Soil Management : Organic farming prioritizes soil health as the foundation of nutrition. Natural amendments such as compost, green manure, and cover crops enhance fertility and structure, while fostering microbial ecosystems essential to long‑term soil vitality. Natural Pest Control : Chemical pesticides are replaced with ecological strategies, including the introduction of beneficial insects, crop rotation, and physical barriers. These methods sustain ecosystem equilibrium and minimize harm to non‑target species. Exclusion of GMOs : Certified organic systems prohibit genetically modified seeds and planting materials, preserving genetic diversity and mitigating ecological risks. This ensures crops remain as close to their natural state as possible. Sustainable Practices : Beyond avoiding synthetic inputs, organic farming adopts holistic approaches such as intercropping, crop rotation, and agroforestry. These techniques maintain soil health, reduce erosion, and enhance biodiversity, reinforcing the resilience of agricultural ecosystems. Certification assures consumers that products embody environmental responsibility and health consciousness. Choosing organic supports farming systems rooted in ecological integrity and sustainability, while contributing to a food economy committed to resilience and stewardship for future generations. Benefits of Choosing Organic Certified Products Choosing organic certified products offers numerous advantages, including: Healthier Options : Organic foods consistently show lower pesticide residues  compared to conventional produce. A European Parliament report found that people consuming organic diets had significantly reduced exposure to synthetic pesticides , which is particularly beneficial for sensitive populations such as children. Organic farming also reduces nitrate levels , which are linked to health risks when consumed in excess. Nutritionally, meta‑analyses have demonstrated that organic crops contain 20–40% higher concentrations of antioxidants , compounds associated with reduced risk of chronic diseases. By choosing organic, consumers reduce their intake of synthetic additives and residues, making a deliberate investment in long‑term health. Better Taste : Taste is not merely subjective; it is influenced by soil quality and farming practices. Organic fruits and vegetables, grown in soils enriched through crop rotation and composting , often exhibit higher concentrations of secondary metabolites that enhance flavor. Studies show that consumers consistently report richer, more natural flavors  in organic produce, attributing this to healthier soils and slower, more balanced growth cycles. This makes organic foods a preferred choice for culinary applications where authenticity and depth of flavor are valued. Environmental Protection : Organic farming contributes directly to ecological sustainability. By avoiding synthetic fertilizers and pesticides, organic systems reduce water pollution and chemical runoff , while supporting biodiversity. Research highlights that organic farms host 30% more species of plants, insects, and birds  compared to conventional farms. Practices such as cover cropping, crop rotation, and composting  improve soil structure and fertility, reducing erosion. Importantly, organic soils have been shown to sequester up to 450 kg of carbon per hectare annually , making organic agriculture a meaningful contributor to climate change mitigation. Support for Farmers: Organic certification is not only about ecological standards but also about social responsibility. Certified organic farms often adhere to fair labor practices , ensuring better wages and safer working conditions. This empowers farming communities by promoting sustainable livelihoods and reducing occupational exposure to harmful agrochemicals. When consumers purchase organic products, they directly support these farmers, reinforcing a more equitable food system and strengthening the connection between producers and consumers. Organic certification is both financially demanding and procedurally strict, but it opens doors to premium markets and long‑term sustainability. Farmers must weigh the upfront costs and rigorous compliance against the benefits of consumer trust and higher margins. By opting for organic certified products, consumers support a system that values health and sustainability. Fresh organic vegetables displayed at a market

Every great business begins with a story. Today, the Founder and CEO of Organic Trade & Investments (OTI) , Esthy Ama Asante, opens up about her journey—how OTI was built from scratch, the struggles faced along the way, and the resilience that keeps the vision alive. This series is not just about one company; it is about the reality of entrepreneurship in Ghana. It is about faith, persistence, and the determination to rise above challenges. Through these windows into OTI’s journey, Esthy shares lessons learned, mistakes made, and victories celebrated—so that new business owners and entrepreneurs can draw inspiration, stay motivated, and never give up on their dreams. How It All Began (2015–2016) In 2015, I was still an employee at a multinational aviation ground handling company in Ghana. My life was structured around my full-time job, with no clear plan of starting a new side business in commodities. I was happy managing an online business I had set up in 2009. Then, one day, a client from Egypt posted an inquiry on an international platform about shea butter, griffonia, and natural cocoa butter. At that moment, I knew very little about these commodities. Shea butter was something I vaguely remembered from childhood—my mother used to apply it on me and my sisters when we lived in Africa. Cocoa butter? I thought cocoa only meant chocolate. And griffonia? I had never heard of it. But instead of bowing out, I decided to learn. I researched, educated myself, and with very little knowledge but strong dedication to promote products from my native country, I replied confidently: “Yes, we can.” At that time, OTI did not exist. I was the only one on the “team,” if a team there was. First Steps into Trade The client quickly followed up, asking about pricing, MoQ (Minimum Order Quantity) , and FFA (Free Fatty Acid levels) . At that time, these terms were completely foreign to me. They sounded like strange codes from another world. Honestly, when I first read them, I was like: “WHAT??” I had already confirmed to the client that " WE " could supply, so admitting ignorance at that point would have made me look unprofessional; a 'clown' to say the least. I couldn’t afford to lose credibility. Instead, I quietly turned to Google. I typed in “MoQ in production” and discovered that it referred to the minimum order quantity a supplier is willing to accept. That was a relief—I finally had something to work with. I decided to propose 50kg as our starting MoQ , knowing it was modest but realistic for a new venture. As for FFA, I had no idea what it meant. Again, I searched online and learned that Free Fatty Acid levels were a measure of product quality, especially in oils and fats like cocoa butter and shea butter. To buy myself some time, I told the client I would compile the information and get back to him. Behind the scenes, I was juggling my full-time job while racing to educate myself on these technical requirements. The beginning of a journey - from Ghana to the global world During lunch breaks, I interviewed suppliers, requested specification sheets, and gathered details on pricing, payment terms, and product standards. Out of ten suppliers I contacted, only two proved serious and reliable. They shared their specifications and agreed to provide samples. With this information, I created detailed product profiles  for each commodity, carefully compiling everything the client had requested. All communication happened on Skype back then. When I finally sent the documents, the client was pleased. That moment taught me something invaluable: even when you start from a place of ignorance, persistence and resourcefulness can turn confusion into competence. Ignorance is not the end; it’s the beginning of learning. The First Shipment & Payment When the client requested samples, he was very clear: no DHL.  He had already suffered a bad experience with that service provider and wanted a cheaper, more reliable option. At that time, the only viable solution was EMS Ghana Post , which was both affordable and secure from the client’s perspective. I had no choice but to chase quotations from EMS, following up relentlessly until I finally secured one. The payment itself was another story. It couldn’t be sent to OTI—because OTI didn’t even exist yet. I had no idea that a few years later, I would establish a company by that name. Back then, the money—about 690 GHS —was wired through Western Union directly to me, as an individual, and I carried the responsibility of making sure everything was done right. I remember skipping lunch, rushing in a taxi to EMS, clutching the receipt like it was gold. For two weeks, I barely slept, haunted by nightmares that the samples might never arrive. Finally, in December 2015, the client confirmed receipt. He was satisfied and placed his first order: 200kg of unrefined shea butter. First shipment of shea butter to Egypt That moment was overwhelming. I was filled with joy—my first international order had been shipped successfully. But not everyone shared my excitement. My Ghanaian colleagues laughed at me, mocking my enthusiasm for shea butter. To them, it was an inferior, rustic product—something unworthy of serious business. Their ignorance and disdain for what God had blessed Ghana with only fueled my determination. If they couldn’t see the value, I would. Their repugnance became my motivation to push harder, to prove that our natural products deserved global recognition. That first shipment was more than a transaction—it was the spark that ignited OTI’s journey. Sometimes the world laughs at your vision, but that’s the sign you’re onto something big Learning the Trade That first order was more than just a transaction—it was my classroom. I discovered that international trade required specific shipping documents : Certificate of Origin Certificate of Analysis Phytosanitary Certificate At the time, these were new to me, but I leaned on suppliers and freight forwarders to guide me. I was determined to learn quickly, to become independent, and to ensure my client’s confidence was never misplaced. When the shipment was finally successful and the client praised the transparency and quality, I felt an immense sense of pride. It seemed to me that I was achieving my deeper goal: promoting Ghana’s heritage through trade.  What had started as curiosity was now becoming a mission. I realized that in serious business, partnership, trust, and communication are currencies no one can afford to omit.  They are as valuable as money itself, because without them, trade collapses. This lesson became a cornerstone of how I approached every future deal—with ethics, transparency, and respect. The client’s satisfaction was proof that Ghana’s natural products could stand tall on the global stage. Within months, the order grew to 500kg , and by November 2016, it reached 1,000kg (1 metric ton).  Each increase was not just about volume—it was about validation. It was evidence that persistence, learning, and integrity could transform a small beginning into a growing enterprise. Every shipment was more than business; it was a step toward rewriting the narrative of Ghanaian trade The First Major Setback Just when I thought progress was steady, disaster struck. In December 2016, while on holiday in Akosombo with my sisters, I received a WhatsApp message from the client. The photos and videos he shared broke me: the shea butter shipment was infested with insects, its once-ivory color had turned orange and dark in places. I was devastated.  I felt let down, ashamed, and deeply troubled. Coming from a family where we do not take advantage of people, this cut me to the core. Our values have always been about remaining ethical, professional, and protecting our reputation. To see a client suffer because of a supplier’s negligence was unbearable. I felt cheated—not just financially, but morally. The supplier refused responsibility, hiding behind the argument that the goods were supplied on an ex-works basis. His unprofessional behavior was shocking. For me, this was not just a business setback—it was a violation of trust. I had promised the client transparency and quality, and now my integrity was on the line. In that moment, my prime goal became clear: to stand up for what was right and to protect the interest of the client.  I realized that accountability, quality assurance, and risk management were not optional—they were the pillars of serious trade. Yes, I was deeply affected, but I was not ready to give up. This painful experience became a turning point. It was the moment I understood that OTI’s journey would not only be about selling products—it would be about building a reputation rooted in ethics, professionalism, and trust. This was only the beginning of the OTI journey. Integrity is tested in the fire of setbacks, and that test shaped the DNA of OTI To be continued…    In the next edition, we will share how Esthy navigated this setback, rebuilt trust, and laid the foundation for OTI as a company—not just a side hustle. This is only the beginning of a story about resilience, ethics, and determination in Ghanaian trade. Join the OTI Journey—real stories, real lessons, straight to your inbox If you’ve been inspired by this chapter, don’t miss the next one. Subscribe to our newsletter to follow the full journey of OTI and discover lessons that can motivate your own entrepreneurial path.

Unrefined Shea Butter from Ghana Shea butter has become an essential component in the global cosmetics and food sectors, valued for its moisturizing, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant benefits. In 2024, the global market for shea butter was worth USD 2.41 billion , with forecasts predicting it will reach USD 3.75 billion by 2030 , growing at a 7.9% CAGR . More than 80% of global shea butter sales are linked to cosmetics and personal care products, driven by increasing demand from clean beauty brands, vegan food manufacturers, and pharmaceutical companies. However, despite being the main source of shea nuts , West African countries capture only a small portion of this value . The region remains mostly excluded from the lucrative stages of processing, branding, and distribution. For decades, previous administrations across West Africa allowed foreign companies to export raw shea nuts in bulk , bypassing local processors and stripping communities of economic opportunity. This practice has: Undermined local value addition , leaving producers with minimal returns Reduced women in the shea sector  to low-paid pickers, often working under exploitative conditions Stressed domestic processors , who struggle to compete with foreign buyers offering upfront cash for raw nuts Drained regional economies , as profits from refined shea butter are captured abroad This extractive model has resulted in thousands of women—who are the backbone of the shea industry—being excluded from prosperity , even though their labor drives a billion-dollar market. Producers and exporters of shea-based products have appealed to various authorities to prohibit the export of raw shea nuts. Following much discussion, the region has experienced policy changes, with Burkina Faso at the forefront. It’s time for West Africa to own the shea narrative—from nut to butter, from village to global shelf. Recently, there have been changes in policy. In response to the historical impact of exporting shea nuts, some West African countries are taking action. Burkina Faso and Nigeria have already banned the export of raw shea nuts to safeguard local processors and enhance livelihoods. Ghana plans to implement a similar ban in 2026 , following persistent advocacy from industry leaders and cooperatives who have appealed to the new administration. Management of Organic Trade and Investments (OTI) enthusiastically embraces the recent policy shifts: These bans are not protectionist; they are corrective measures aimed at reclaiming economic control and ensuring that value remains within the region. Job Creation Potential in the Shea Industry (Combined Impact Across Burkina Faso, Ghana, and Nigeria) The shea industry offers significant potential for West Africa, not only as a source of export income but also as a catalyst for job creation and community development. In Nigeria, which accounts for nearly 40% of the world's shea nut production, the industry is expected to create up to one million jobs, particularly as the country enforces its ban on raw exports and moves towards local processing. Ghana, aiming to increase production to 400,000 metric tons, is anticipated to generate between 300,000 and 500,000 jobs, especially through mechanized harvesting, cooperative development, and enhanced refining capacity. Burkina Faso, already recognized for its organized shea networks and early adoption of export restrictions, could see the creation of between 250,000 and 400,000 jobs as the industry formalizes and grows. Together, these three West African countries have the potential to create between 1.5 and 2 million jobs, many of which will directly support women in rural communities who have long been the backbone of the shea value chain. In terms of revenue, the combined annual income from the shea sector could surpass $1.1 billion in the short term, with projections reaching $4 billion or more if full value addition and global market access are realized. Nigeria aims for $3 billion by 2027, while Ghana’s 24-hour economy strategy positions shea among its top-performing commodities, with a revenue target of $640 million. Although Burkina Faso's exports are smaller in scale, they are expected to grow significantly as local processors capture more of the global demand. The CEO and Head of Business Developments at OTI; Esthy Ama Asante; firmly asserts that the economic potential is achievable if the region persists in investing in infrastructure, implementing export bans, and enabling cooperatives to advance from raw supply to branded, high-value shea products. The shea industry has evolved from merely supporting rural livelihoods to becoming a strategic foundation for inclusive growth, trade sovereignty, and African excellence The Promise of Local Value Addition With limitations on raw exports, West Africa can now focus on processing, branding, and market ownership . This transition will: Empower women’s cooperatives  to become full-fledged producers, not just pickers Create thousands of jobs  in refining, packaging, logistics, and export compliance Boost regional GDP  through higher-margin exports Attract ethical investors  and global buyers seeking traceable, community-driven supply chains Strengthen trade ecosystems  that prioritize sustainability, transparency, and African excellence At Organic Trade & Investments, we believe that West Africa doesn’t merely produce shea—it embodies its essence. For too long, the region has been sidelined in a global industry it sustains. The recent bans on raw shea nut exports are a critical first step toward reclaiming economic agency. But meaningful transformation requires more than policy—it demands a unified strategy to invest in local infrastructure, strengthen women-led cooperatives, uphold fair pricing, and elevate the narrative of African shea with authenticity and pride. This is not just about trade—it’s about dignity, ownership, and long-term prosperity for the communities who have nurtured this resource for generations.

< Back Business Developer Opportunity (Remote - Worldwide) Apply Now Worldwide - This is a remote work Job Type Full Time Workspace Remote About the Role Key Responsibilities IMPORTANT NOTICE: It's important to know that this role is more of an email marketing strategist for Western markets or a global business developer with cross-cultural knowledge. 1 - Strategic Vision Devise and implement business development strategies tailored to email marketing solutions. Explore untapped opportunities within sports, logistics, and IT sectors, particularly in Western markets, to expand influence. 2 - Client Engagement Cultivate and sustain robust relationships with decision-makers in sports organizations, logistics companies, and IT firms. Deliver impactful presentations and strategic pitches to secure valuable partnerships. 3 - Market-Driven Insights Analyze trends and behaviors in Western markets to align email marketing solutions with client needs. Conduct competitor analyses to enhance market positioning and strategy. 4 - Cross-Functional Collaboration Partner with internal teams to ensure the seamless execution of email marketing campaigns. Integrate innovative email marketing tools with existing systems to address client-specific challenges. 5 - Performance Optimization Evaluate and report KPIs to drive client satisfaction, revenue growth, and campaign success. Provide actionable insights to refine business strategies. About The Role Requirements Candidate Profile Industry Knowledge: Expertise in email marketing tools and platforms. Familiarity with business practices in Western sports organizations, logistics firms, and IT sectors. Skills and Experience : Proven success in business development, with a minimum of 2 years’ experience. Exceptional communication and negotiation abilities, with a nuanced understanding of Western cultural dynamics. Proficiency in integrating email solutions with IT systems or logistics operations. Educational Background : A degree in marketing, business administration, or a related field. Certifications in email or digital marketing are a plus. What We Offer Global Reach : A unique opportunity to work remotely with international clients. Performance-Based Rewards : Commission-driven compensation, offering high earning potential. Growth Potential : Future plans include a competitive fixed salary as the company scales. Work-Life Balance : Flexible hours to accommodate diverse time zones. This role is more than just a career move—it's an invitation to co-create success within a pioneering start-up redefining the marketing space. Candidates with a passion for strategic growth and cultural adaptability are encouraged to apply. About the Company OTI is collaborating with an innovative start-up to identify a dynamic Business Developer with a deep understanding of the Western market and culture. This opportunity allows you to contribute to a visionary marketing agency specializing in tech, education, logistics & transportation, and sports, in a role designed to foster creativity, growth, and impact. Apply Now

Organic Trade and Investments (OTI) respects the people they deal with. Your privacy matters. Please take your time to go through our privacy policy before you decide to engage us. Privacy Policy At Organic Trade & Investments, your privacy is important to us. We receive, collect and store any information you enter on our website or provide us in any other way. In addition, we collect the Internet protocol (IP) address used to connect your computer to the Internet; login; e-mail address; password; computer and connection information and purchase history. We may use software tools, such as Google Analytics, to measure and collect session information, including page response times, length of visits to certain pages, page interaction information, and methods used to browse away from the page. We also collect personally identifiable information (including name, email, password, communications); payment details (including credit card information), comments, feedback, orders, product reviews, recommendations, and personal profile. When you conduct a transaction on our website, as part of the process, we collect personal information you give us such as your name, address, and email address. Your personal information will be used for the specific reasons stated above and in our Store Policy . We collect such Non-personal and Personal Information for the following purposes: To provide and process your orders; To provide our subscribers with news on our products or services; To provide our visitors / subscribers with ongoing customer assistance and technical support; To be able to contact our subscribers, clients, and visitors with general or personalized service-related notices and promotional messages; To create aggregated statistical data on a specific product and other aggregated and/or inferred Non-personal Information, which we or our business partners may use to provide and improve our respective services and/or products; To comply with any applicable laws and regulations. Our company is hosted on the Wix.com platform. Wix.com provides us with the online platform that allows us to sell our products and services to you. Your data may be stored through Wix.com’s data storage, databases and the general Wix.com applications. They store your data on secure servers behind a firewall. All direct payment gateways offered by Wix.com and used by our company adhere to the standards set by PCI-DSS as managed by the PCI Security Standards Council, which is a joint effort of brands like Visa, MasterCard, American Express and Discover. PCI-DSS requirements help ensure the secure handling of credit card information by our store and its service providers. We may contact you to notify you regarding your order, to resolve a dispute, to collect fees or monies owed, to poll your opinions through surveys or questionnaires, to send updates (through our monthly newsletters) about our company or as otherwise necessary to contact you to enforce our Store Policy, applicable local laws, and any agreement we may have with you. For these purposes we may contact you via email, telephone, text messages, and postal mail. If you don’t want us to process your data anymore, please contact us at sales@oti-gati.com or send us mail to: Organic Trade & Investments P.O Box TT582 Tema N/T Ghana West Africa. We reserve the right to modify this privacy policy at any time, so please review it frequently. Changes and clarifications will take effect immediately upon their posting on the website. If we make material changes to this policy, we will notify you here that it has been updated, so that you are aware of what information we collect, how we use it, and under what circumstances, if any, we use and/or disclose it. If you would like to: access, correct, amend or delete any personal information we have about you, you are invited to contact us at sales@oti-gati.com or send us mail to: Organic Trade & Investments P.O Box TT582 Tema N/T Ghana West Africa.

Retailers and export trading companies of pure cocoa butter from Ghana and other organic products; get in touch with OTI Sales Team. Contact Us Headquarters - Ghana Sales Department T: +233 /(0) 26 622 5863 WeChat: OTIGATI Email OTI Sales Team Export Department WhatsApp Us Communications Department T.: +233/(0) 24 965 3716 Email OTI Communications Team Local Distributors Refer to OTI Store Map Mail Address P.O Box TT582 Tema N/T Ghana Email us at sales@oti-gati.com or send us a message via the contact form below and we'll get back to you. For bulk orders, please fill the order form . Contact our authorized international representatives in your region. Send Success! Message received.