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Binghamton Mayor Jared Kraham (right) announced Emkao Foods of Vancouver, British Columbia and owner Ayissi Nyemba (middle) as the winner of this year’s Binghamton business-plan competition. Also pictured (left) is Patrick Doyle, president of the Binghamton Local Development Corporation and vice president of the Greater Binghamton Chamber of Commerce. (Photo credit: City of Binghamton website)
Emkao Foods, Inc. of Vancouver, British Columbia is the 2025 winner of the Binghamton business-plan competition.
It plans to establish a manufacturing operation at 73 Griswold St. on Binghamton’s East Side.
The annual competition awards a cash prize and administrative support to the contestant that submits the best plan for developing a business in the city of Binghamton.
Emkao Foods. imports, manufactures and supplies premium cocoa ingredients, sourcing its beans directly from smallholder farmers in Cameroon.
The company’s vertically integrated business model eliminates middlemen to control quality, reduce costs, and support fair trade. Its mission “centers on redefining transparency in the chocolate industry, with a strong focus on sustainability and traceability,” per the announcement.
Emkao will use its $7,000 in prize money to help renovate the industrial space on Griswold Street and expand its operations there. The new location is expected to create about five local jobs.
In addition to the cash award, the contest winner will also receive a range of administrative-support services to help grow their business locally, donated in-kind by Binghamton businesses and organizations.
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