AAK launches AAK Academy platform to advance innovation across food and personal care applications

AAK, a global leader in plant-based oils and fats, in collaboration with the Embassy of Denmark in Ghana, has launched the inaugural AAK Academy in Ghana to strengthen innovation, technical expertise and value addition in chocolate, confectionery and other food applications.

The initiative forms part of AAK’s broader commitment to advancing technical capability and sustainable value creation within Ghana’s agro-processing sector. It also executes on the innovation pillar of the Memorandum of Understanding signed with the Ministry of Food & Agriculture in January 2026 to support the development of Ghana’s shea value chain.

Established in Denmark in 2007, the AAK Academy^TM is AAK’s flagship platform for knowledge sharing and innovation, designed to equip customers and industry partners with technical expertise, market insights and practical solutions that support product development and business growth. The introduction of the Academy in Ghana extends this global platform to local manufacturers, creating opportunities for knowledge exchange and stronger participation in regional and international markets.

Launched at the Danish Embassy in Accra under the theme “Inspiration in Chocolate and Confectionery Production,” the event brought together stakeholders from the Ministry of Food and Agriculture, the Tree Crops Development Authority (TCDA), the Ghana Export Promotion Authority (GEPA), the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the European Union Delegation, as well as industry players and diplomatic partners.

Vice President and Head of AAK West Africa, Mr. Lasse Skaksen, said the Academy reflects AAK’s commitment to strengthening Ghana’s industrial and agricultural value chains through collaboration, innovation and knowledge sharing.

“We see tremendous potential within Ghana’s chocolate and confectionery industry. Unlocking that potential requires stronger collaboration, access to technical expertise, global market insights and partnerships that support local ambition and growth.

Through AAK Academy, we are sharing our global expertise to support local manufacturers in developing more competitive products, strengthening technical capabilities and creating new opportunities within regional and international markets,” he said.

Leading local chocolate producers in Ghana, including FairAfric, 57 Chocolates and Bioko Treats, participated in the launch alongside industry professionals and key stakeholders from across the food value chain.

The Ambassador of Denmark to Ghana, Jakob Linulf, noted that the initiative strengthens the longstanding partnership between Ghana and Denmark, particularly within the agriculture and food sectors.

“At a time when Ghana is seeking to leverage agriculture as a driver of economic transformation, partnerships that promote local processing, innovation and skills development are critically important. Beyond exporting raw materials, we must create jobs, strengthen industries and add value within Ghana,” he stated.

Representing the Minister for Food and Agriculture, the Director of Presidential Initiatives in Agriculture and Agribusiness (PIAA), Dr. Peter Boamah Otokunor, commended AAK for its continued investment and support for Ghana’s agricultural transformation agenda.

The inaugural AAK Academy pilot session, which took place on June 3, convened 25 local manufacturers and industry stakeholders for a focused technical engagement on the role of oils and fats in chocolate production.

The session also examined emerging consumer trends shaping the global chocolate market and explored opportunities for product innovation, formulation improvement and sustainable value creation. Chocolate has been selected as the entry point for the pilot because of its relevance to Ghana’s cocoa-based economy and the significant potential for value addition within the segment.

The pilot marks the first step in the phased rollout of the AAK Academy^TM in Ghana, which will expand beyond chocolate and confectionery into broader food and non-food applications, including bakery, dairy, cosmetics and personal care. Through this approach, the Academy aims to build technical capability, foster cross-sector innovation and strengthen Ghana’s position within regional and global value chains.

As Ghana continues to pursue greater industrialisation and local value creation within its food and non-food production sectors, the AAK Academy is positioned to serve as a platform for collaboration and technical exchange, helping industry players develop higher-value products and strengthen competitiveness in regional and global markets.

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