Ghanaian food-processing startup Nugren is using new machinery and improved production processes to increase output of ready-to-cook fish, chicken and meat products as it targets consumers seeking convenient food options.
Nugren was among businesses that exhibited at the “This is Ghana” Exhibition, organized by Citi FM and Channel One TV, where local companies showcased their products while engaging directly with consumers and potential business partners.
Nugren, co-founded by Augustina Nuakoh, processes fish, chicken and meat into ready-to-eat or ready-to-cook products for working professionals, students and other consumers with limited time for food preparation.
Nuakoh said support received through the Mastercard Foundation has helped the company mechanize part of its poultry-processing operations, reducing the manual work required to prepare chicken and enabling the business to increase production.
“Initially I was doing the chicken, I was plucking it myself,” Nuakoh said. “But through MasterCard, I have secured some machines that are like a plucker to pluck the chicken, making work easier and being able to produce more of the chicken.”
Nugren began the business in 2023 and has operated consistently for about a year, according to Nuakoh. The company is also pursuing Food and Drugs Authority processes and has received training in good manufacturing practices through the Mastercard Foundation.
That support has included assistance with developing standard operating procedures and improving the company’s production processes, Nuakoh said.
“We have started FDA processes,” she said.
Nugren’s products, according to Nuakoh, are prepared under hygienic conditions and are designed to reduce the preparation time required by consumers. Customers can add their preferred ingredients to the company’s ready-to-cook products before preparing them.
The company currently sells processed herring for 60 cedis per bag, with a smaller option priced at 50 cedis. Shrimp is sold at 50 cedis and 100 cedis, while whole chicken is priced at 150 cedis and 200 cedis, according to Nuakoh.
The startup plans to expand into processed chicken parts, which would allow customers to purchase smaller quantities rather than an entire chicken.
Nuakoh said the expansion is part of Nugren’s effort to make its products more accessible while increasing its production capacity.
The company’s participation in the ‘This is Ghana‘ exhibition gives Nugren an opportunity to promote its products and connect with potential customers and partners as it seeks to build a larger market for locally processed food.
