In the heartland of Ghana, where approximately 94 million shea trees produce up to 60,000 metric tonnes of shea nuts every year, Organic Trade and Investments (OTI) is revolutionizing the shea butter industry.
OTI has implemented a hybrid approach to shea butter production, combining traditional handcrafting methods with modern mechanization.
This innovative strategy aims to maximize the benefits of both methods, accommodating the needs of its diverse clientele worldwide.
Harvesting varies year-to-year due to climate, accessibility, and market fluctuations. Some estimates suggest up to 20% of shea nuts might remain unpicked, while reports indicate Ghana's exports of shea products (primarily shea butter) are growing steadily.
In 2022, the export of shea butter from Ghana was estimated to be 38,792 tonnes, worth US$92.6 million, while shea nut kernels worth US$20 million (36,162 tonnes) were exported in the same year, making Ghana the world's fourth largest producer of shea products.
OTI’s hybrid approach is designed to increase efficiency and yield while preserving the traditional practices that have been the backbone of the shea industry for centuries. The company’s monthly capacity supply of mechanized shea butter is an impressive 500 metric tonnes. Parallely, OTI continues to produce its traditional handcrafted shea butter, honoring the centuries-old methods employed by the women of Ghana.
This dual approach caters to the varying preferences of OTI’s global clientele. For the more cost-sensitive buyers, the mechanized shea butter offers an affordable option without compromising on quality. Conversely, for those who are more impact-minded, the handcrafted shea butter provides a product steeped in tradition and positive social impact.
The mechanization aspect of OTI’s operations is designed to reduce the estimated 20% harvest loss, increase production, and stimulate the local economy. It offers potential job creation in processing plants and increased income for farmers. As an impact-minded company, OTI is mindful of the challenges that come with mechanization.
The CEO of Organic Trade and Investments (OTI) shared insights into the challenges the Company faced. One of the key dilemmas was navigating the complex landscape of sustainability and sector collaboration in Ghana.
We understand mechanized production could create competition for women making handcrafted shea butter, potentially impacting their income and livelihoods. This, therefore, required careful planning and integration to ensure benefits reach all stakeholders. (Esthy Ama Asante, the CEO of Organic Trade and Investments (OTI)).
The company is committed to implementing sustainable practices that consider potential environmental impacts on the shea tree ecosystem and soil health.
OTI’s continued production of handcrafted shea butter for the beauty industry supports the women’s cooperatives in Ghana. These cooperatives have been turning shea nuts into butter for centuries. By empowering these women through training, equipment upgrades, and market access, Organic Trade and Investments (OTI) ensures they benefit from increased production and secure fair prices for their products.
Organic Trade and Investments (OTI) has consistently ramped up the production and supply of handcrafted shea butter, scaling from 18 tons to 100 tonnes per month over the past four years.
"The commitment of the Company to quality and growth is indeed commendable," noted one regular buyer of shea butter of OTI.
An associate partner of the company commends the initiative undertaken by OTI’s management:
OTI’s hybrid approach to shea butter production in Ghana is a testament to the company’s commitment to innovation, sustainability, and social responsibility. By balancing mechanization with traditional practices, OTI is not only enhancing the shea butter industry but also contributing to the economic development of rural Ghana.
