Food producers must improve presentation of local foods to attract consumers – Chef

Ghanaian food producers and chefs, according to Head Chef Akwetey Ahingwah at Labadi Beach Hotel, need to enhance the appearance and packaging of local foods in order to attract more consumers and compete with imported products. Ahingwah noted that many Ghanaians are attracted to imported food items not due to their perceived superiority, but because of superior packaging and presentation.

Speaking on Joy FM Super Morning Show during Joy Sustainability Month's Feeding Ghana Sustainably discussions, Ahingwah stressed the importance of better packaging and presentation for local foods. "If we, the chefs or the farmers, are working on our packaging, we are working on our presentations, I think it will attract people more," he said.

Restaurants also have a key role to play in promoting local dishes, Ahingwah added, by including traditional Ghanaian dishes in their regular menus and presenting them attractively. "We as chefs and restaurants, we have to make sure we incorporate these local dishes in our menus," he emphasized. The chef also pointed out that the preference for imported foods is not necessarily justified by nutritional value.

Traditional foods are often less processed and cheaper than imported alternatives, which typically undergo additional processing and may contain preservatives, making them more expensive due to the extensive processing involved. Despite these advantages, many consumers prefer imported foods due to their attractive packaging. Ahingwah used carrots as an example, noting that while imported carrots may be packaged more appealingly, local carrots can remain fresh for longer periods.

This freshness, he argued, should be highlighted when promoting local produce, alongside its nutritional benefits. The Joy Sustainability Month, sponsored by MTN and its Mobile Money service, aims to encourage sustainable practices in food production and consumption.