A modern chocolate factory which will process premium quality cocoa beans will be situated in Akure Ondo state and will begin production by April 2016.

This was made known recently by the Ondo State Government Commissioner for Information Hon. Kayode Akinmade, at a news conference in Akure.

Akinmade said the factory would utilise and process the facilities of the Cocoa Catalytic Factory in Idanre . He also added that the factory would be run by the state’s cocoa project foreign technical partner, Spagnvola Chocolatier of Spain, and would have the capacity to produce enough for local consumption and for export.

According Dr Jibayo Oyebade, the Chairman, Ondo Cocoa Revolution project, the state government had identified the Cocoa Catalytic factory at Idanre for the chocolate factory.

‘’Our technical partner is an internationally recognised chocolate producer which is an expert in the field.

“We intend to invite officials of the Ministry of Commerce to take inventory of the machines at the catalytic factory in Idanre.

“Already, there is a cocoa factory in Idanre that we can put in proper shape this year.’

He also said that chocolates made from cocoa beans had been declared one of the best in the world after testing at Switzerland, and was of immense health value for both the young and old.

source: Daily post