A look at the historic cocoa processing factory in Ondo State that continues to drive Nigeria’s agro-industrial future.
Location: Ile-Oluji, Ondo State, Nigeria
The Premium Cocoa Products (Ile-Oluji) Limited stands as one of Nigeria’s most enduring symbols of agricultural resilience and industrial revival. Located in Ile-Oluji, Ondo State, the factory has remained a vital player in the nation’s cocoa value chain since its establishment in 1984. As a subsidiary of the Johnvents Group, the company continues to strengthen Nigeria’s position as one of the world’s leading producers of cocoa and cocoa derivatives.
A Legacy Rooted in Nigeria’s Cocoa Heritage
Nigeria’s cocoa industry once formed the backbone of its economy, particularly before the oil boom of the 1970s. In this golden era, the southwestern states — notably Ondo, Oyo, Ogun, and Osun — flourished as centres of cocoa farming and trade. The creation of Premium Cocoa Products (Ile-Oluji) Limited in 1984 marked a significant effort to industrialise this agricultural wealth by processing raw cocoa locally rather than exporting it unprocessed.
Located in the lush cocoa belt of Ondo State, the factory became a strategic hub for processing cocoa beans into semi-finished and finished products for both local and international markets. It remains a reminder of Nigeria’s potential to diversify its economy through agriculture and agro-processing.
Industrial Significance and Production Capacity
Today, Premium Cocoa Products operates as one of Nigeria’s oldest surviving cocoa processing plants, maintaining a strong foothold in the sector through innovation and sustainability. The factory boasts an impressive annual processing capacity of 30,000 metric tonnes of raw cocoa beans, transforming them into key derivatives such as cocoa butter, cocoa cake, and cocoa powder.
These products serve as essential raw materials for the food, beverage, and cosmetics industries, catering to both domestic consumption and export demand. The company’s commitment to maintaining high-quality standards has helped it retain relevance in an increasingly competitive global cocoa market.
Subsidiary of the Johnvents Group: A New Chapter of Growth
The modern resurgence of the Ile-Oluji cocoa factory can be credited to the Johnvents Group, a leading Nigerian agribusiness conglomerate with interests in processing, trading, and exporting agricultural commodities. Under Johnvents’ management, the plant has undergone significant refurbishment and technological upgrades aimed at boosting efficiency, sustainability, and international competitiveness.
The acquisition and revitalisation of the factory reflect the group’s vision to restore Nigeria’s lost glory in the cocoa industry by promoting local value addition. This aligns with the federal government’s broader agenda of encouraging agricultural industrialisation and reducing reliance on crude oil exports.
Economic and Social Impact
The factory plays a vital socio-economic role in Ondo State and beyond. By sourcing cocoa beans directly from local farmers, Premium Cocoa Products contributes to rural income generation, employment, and community development. The facility provides jobs for hundreds of Nigerians — from factory workers to logistics providers — while indirectly supporting thousands of smallholder cocoa farmers across the region.
In addition, the company fosters partnerships that encourage best practices in cocoa cultivation, ensuring quality control and sustainability in line with global standards. Through training and collaboration, it empowers farmers to improve yields and adopt environmentally friendly methods, reinforcing Nigeria’s reputation for producing premium-quality cocoa.
Commitment to Quality and Sustainability
Premium Cocoa Products (Ile-Oluji) Limited has established a reputation for adhering to strict quality and sustainability standards. Its operations are guided by international certification protocols that ensure traceability and compliance with ethical sourcing practices.
The company has also embraced eco-friendly production methods, reducing waste and promoting energy efficiency. By maintaining consistency in product quality, it continues to attract global buyers and contributes to Nigeria’s non-oil export growth — an essential step toward a more diversified national economy.
Ondo State: The Cocoa Heartland of Nigeria
Ondo State, often regarded as Nigeria’s “Cocoa Capital,” has long been central to the country’s agricultural story. The state’s fertile soil and favourable climate make it ideal for cocoa cultivation, and the presence of the Premium Cocoa Products factory further enhances its industrial profile.
Beyond cocoa, Ondo State is also investing in cassava, oil palm, and timber industries, but cocoa remains a defining feature of its identity. The Ile-Oluji factory thus stands not just as an industrial site but as a cultural and economic monument representing decades of agricultural excellence.
A Vision for the Future
With continued investment and innovation, Premium Cocoa Products (Ile-Oluji) Limited aims to expand its capacity, explore new export markets, and deepen its impact within Nigeria’s agricultural ecosystem. The company’s mission aligns with national and global goals of sustainable agriculture, economic diversification, and inclusive growth.
Its success story demonstrates how Nigeria can transition from a raw commodity exporter to a value-added manufacturing nation — creating jobs, generating revenue, and preserving the legacy of cocoa as one of the country’s proudest agricultural assets.
References:
Johnvents Group Official Website (2023)
Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) Cocoa Export Reports
Vanguard Nigeria: “Johnvents Revives Ile-Oluji Cocoa Processing Plant” (2022)
Premium Times Nigeria: “Nigeria’s Cocoa Industry and the Push for Local Value Addition” (2023)
Ondo State Ministry of Agriculture Annual Report (2022)
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