Happy 3rd birthday Emkao Foods

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Despite the COVID19 pandemic, the delays and, all the difficulties that we have faced during those past months. We are very proud that we were able to survive and, face this unprecedented crisis. That is one good reason for us to celebrate our 3rd anniversary.

Another exciting news to share. Our new website will soon be up and running! We have been working with students from SIA (Social Innovation Academy) Sauder at UBC during the last months to rebuild the brand and, messaging of EMKAO’s vision.

To do more for the community, Emkao is hiring. If you want to work for a growing company beyond Fair-trades agreements, that cares about maintaining a sustainable business and, supports women’s involvement in agriculture? Come and join us! We are hiring a Salesperson and, production workers.

Updates

There are several exciting partnerships and funds that have been accessed during this crisis. Emkao has received the Emergency Processing Fund to help implementing changes to safeguard the health and safety of our workers and their families due to the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. Emkao has raised over 40k during the pandemic. Finally, Emkao’s team is honored to welcome 5 new board members. The 5 new board members will support Emkao for its growth. We say thanks to:

• • David Sanguinetti
  • Mary-Ellen Hodgins
  • Rob Arthurs
  • Jana Svedovas
  • Mike Manion

Emkao has also hired local manpower.

Covid-19 Related Resources

Emkao has also been negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and, as a pre-revenue during the first months it was challenging to qualify to all government loans announced.

Our construction work had to slow down because of COVID-19 social distancing and other safety-related measures that were not in favor of continuing activities. In addition, extra expenses were made because of the pandemic (PPE’s, new HVAC system etc..). EMKAO was not equipped to face the pandemic unexpected consequences from a business perspective.

At the Farm level gate, the Corona Virus COVID-19 is not affecting the general management of cocoa plantations. Farmers live in the villages, far away from the cities. Each household takes care of its cocoa farm. The harvest season starts in September and runs till January. So, cocoa buyers right now do not go to the villages. Movements are reduced or prevented from the cities to the villages and from the villages to the cities.

Our response to COVID-19, was to support our community and health workers with the IKAREKAO campaign. We were truly happy to serve our community. Through the IKAREKAO campaign:

• $1000 were raised
• $5000 products value was donated for the campaign
• More than 15 donors and community businesses contributed to the campaign.

Donations were given to:

• Hospitals
• Care homes
• Food banks
• Fire department

Support to local businesses:
Products were purchased from 20 local businesses for the campaign. Local Associations and Newspapers supported the campaign. We are in this together and, to our community heroes we say thanks

Gratitude wall

• • Investors who helped us to go through this COVID-19 pandemic
  • WORKBC who helped to hire qualify and dedicatedworkers
  • To our new board members who will help Emkao with its growth and, strategies
  • To the social Innovation & Impact investment SAUDER at UBC to have worked with EMKAO and its incredible students for their summer project
  • The talented students from KPU’s university that helped Emkao with our market research and, more
  • To the community which supported/shared/liked and, that was present for us

With gratitude and wishes with thank you with good chocolate for everyone – please accept our profound gratitude.