Johnvents Group Revives Cocoa Processing in Ondo State

Johnvents Group is working to revive Nigeria's cocoa industry through its Premium Cocoa Products Ile-Oluji Limited factory, located in Ile-Oluji, Ondo State. Managed by Sunday Bamikole, this factory is the only surviving first-generation cocoa-processing facility in Nigeria, commissioned in 1980.

Since taking over in February 2023, Johnvents has initiated a recovery and expansion program to restore production and increase capacity from 30,000 metric tonnes to 45,000 metric tonnes annually. Previously, the factory was processing fewer than 2,000 metric tonnes per year, significantly below its potential.

The initial strategy focused on stabilizing operations, and within six months, demand surged to 300 percent of capacity requests. This indicates a market opportunity for locally processed cocoa products, although sustained growth will depend on the factory's ability to consistently meet demand and secure reliable supplies.