Nestlé in Ghana – Overview
1. History & Presence

Nestlé began operations in Ghana in 1957, initially as a trading company. By 1968, it started local manufacturing under the name Food Specialties (Ghana) Limited. Its first factory was set up in Tema around 1970–1971, producing products like IDEAL Milk and MILO. In 1987, the company officially became Nestlé Ghana Limited. Over time, it expanded its product lines, production capacity, and distribution networks.

2. Products & Manufacturing

Nestlé Ghana manufactures a wide range of popular products, including:

Dairy & Milk Products: IDEAL Milk, Carnation.

Beverages: MILO and NESCAFÉ.

Infant Nutrition: CERELAC and other baby cereals.

Cereals & Confectionery: Golden Morn, Chocomilo, Chocolim, Cerevita.

In 2022, Nestlé expanded its infant cereals plant in Tema with a $22 million investment, boosting production capacity to serve Ghana and more than 20 other West and Central African countries.

3. Infrastructure & Operations

Main manufacturing factory in Tema.

Central Distribution Centre in Tema to streamline logistics.

Regional sales offices and warehouses in Kumasi, Takoradi, Koforidua, and Tamale.

Investments in sustainable infrastructure, such as wastewater treatment facilities at the Tema plant.

4. Economic & Social Impact

Significant contributor to Ghana’s economy through employment, tax revenue, local sourcing, and exports.

Supplies neighboring countries such as Côte d’Ivoire, Nigeria, Burkina Faso, and Senegal.

Promotes shared value initiatives in nutrition, health, and community development.

Active in the cocoa sector — supporting sustainable farming, reforestation, farmer training, and providing improved cookstoves.

5. Challenges & Criticisms

Faces ongoing challenges with environmental impact, particularly deforestation linked to cocoa sourcing.

Global concerns over infant nutrition marketing and high sugar content in products have also been raised in Africa, including Ghana.