Ghana’s poultry sector is at a pivotal moment, driven by a national agenda to boost local production and reduce reliance on imports. At the heart of this transformation are the feed producers, as feed constitutes up to 70% of a poultry farmer’s total production cost. The quality, availability, and price of feed directly determine the viability of poultry businesses across the country. This guide provides a detailed analysis of the top poultry feed companies in Ghana, offering a clear overview for farmers, investors, and agribusiness stakeholders.
The Ghanaian Poultry Feed Market: Challenges and Opportunities
Understanding the broader market landscape is crucial for anyone involved in the poultry value chain. The industry is shaped by significant government ambition, persistent supply chain challenges, and emerging innovations.
The High Cost of Maize and Soya
The primary challenge facing the industry is its dependence on maize and soybeans, which make up the bulk of feed content. The erratic supply and high price volatility of these core ingredients represent the single greatest threat to profitability for both feed millers and farmers. Past shortages have led to operational shutdowns and have prompted calls for government intervention, highlighting this structural weakness.
Government Policy and the Push for Local Production
The Ghanaian government has made reviving the domestic poultry sector a national priority. Initiatives like the “Rearing for Food and Jobs” (RFJ) program are designed to stimulate local broiler production and substitute at least 25% of the nation’s 400,000 metric ton annual poultry import bill. This translates into a massive, policy-backed demand for an additional 222,000 metric tons of quality poultry feed, creating a significant growth opportunity for manufacturers who can scale their operations.
The Future: Innovation in Alternative Feeds
To combat the maize and soya challenge, innovation is emerging. Research into local alternatives like cocoa pod husk (CPH) and the commercial use of insect-based protein from Black Soldier Fly Larvae (BSFL) are promising. Companies like Neat Eco Feeds Ltd. are actively producing maggot-based feed. However, commercializing these innovations at scale remains a formidable challenge, requiring robust operational planning and significant capital.
In-Depth Profiles of Leading Feed Companies in Ghana
The competitive landscape is dominated by a mix of international powerhouses, integrated national champions, and long-standing local manufacturers. Here are profiles of the key market leaders.
De Heus Ghana (formerly Koudijs)
- Overview: As a subsidiary of the Dutch multinational Royal De Heus, this company positions itself as a premier provider of high-quality, technologically advanced nutritional solutions. They focus on delivering superior value through performance and quality, backed by global R&D. Their state-of-the-art factory in Ghana has an annual capacity of 90,000 metric tons.
- Products: A comprehensive range of compound feeds, premixes, and concentrates for Poultry (Broilers and Layers), Aquaculture (Tilapia and Catfish), and Swine.
- Services & Support: A key differentiator is their “hands-on” approach, with specialists providing on-farm advisory services to help farmers optimize feed, health, and management practices.
- Distribution: Utilizes an extensive network of independent dealers strategically located in key agricultural regions, especially Ashanti, Bono, Ahafo, and Western Regions.
Boris B’s Farms & Veterinary Supplies Ltd.
- Overview: A highly successful Ghanaian-owned enterprise that operates as an integrated, one-stop-shop for farmers. Led by CEO Dr. Boris Baidoo, the company is a market leader, particularly in the Ashanti Region.
- Products: A dual portfolio including premium imported feeds from Hendrix UTD (Netherlands) and their own line of scientifically formulated local feeds. They also sell individual feed ingredients (Maize Bran, Limestone) and additives.
- Services & Support: Offers expert consultancy, farmer training, and a crucial in-house logistics service to deliver goods directly to farms.
- Distribution: A formidable network of company-owned and branded branches in major hubs like Kumasi, Tema, Ho, Obuasi, Takoradi, Sunyani, and Dorma Ahenkro.
- Contact: +233 (0)244 355 050 / info@borisbgh.com
Agricare Limited
- Overview: The most veteran manufacturer in Ghana, established in 1968. Originally a subsidiary of Pfizer, the company is now locally owned and competes on a foundation of trust, experience, and reliability built over five decades.
- Products: High-quality, scientifically formulated feeds for Poultry (Layers, Broilers, Breeders), Livestock (Cattle, Sheep, Goats), and Aquaculture.
- Services & Support: Provides expert support, tailored feed solutions, and commits to nationwide distribution to ensure farmers have easy access to their products.
- Location: Headquartered in Tanoso, Kumasi.
- Contact: 0244 312 110 / info@agricaregh.com
Maridav Ghana Limited
- Overview: Occupies a powerful niche by combining animal health and nutrition. Maridav acts as a processor, importer, and distributor of specialized feed ingredients, concentrates, veterinary drugs, and equipment. They are the official country representative for global giants like DSM (nutrition) and CID LINES (hygiene).
- Products: Focuses on high-value inputs rather than complete feed. Offerings include Layer and Broiler concentrates, feed additives (Amino Acids, Premixes), mycotoxin deactivators, veterinary pharmaceuticals, and biosecurity products.
- Services & Support: Provides a holistic package for maximizing flock performance, offering technical advice on the application of their advanced products.
- Locations: Branches in Tema (+233 (0)303 938 088) and Kumasi (+233 (0)322 496 060).
Key Emerging and Niche Animal Feed Suppliers in Ghana
Alongside the major players, a dynamic group of emerging and specialized companies are diversifying the market offerings.
Kosher FeedMills Limited
- Overview: A quality-focused producer based in Accra, competing on product efficacy and direct customer relationships. They specialize exclusively in the poultry sector.
- Products: A clear, lifecycle-based range including Chick Starter, Grower Mash, Layer Mash, Broiler Starter, Broiler Finisher, and Turkey Starter.
- Services & Support: Offers farmers direct technical services, consultation, and assistance.
- Location: La, Accra (behind Marwako restaurant).
- Contact: +233 302 772538 / kofeemill@yahoo.com
Big Stars Animal Feed Limited
- Overview: An ambitious, rising brand aiming to be a leading provider in Ghana and West Africa. They were the “Best Customer’s Choice Feed Company of the Year” in 2021.
- Products: A full range of mashes (complete feeds) for Poultry, Pigs, and Rabbits. A key strength is their extensive variety of concentrates for both broilers and layers at multiple inclusion rates (5%, 20%, 25%, 35%, 50%).
- Distribution: Claims a widespread presence in all 16 regions through distributors, sales depots, and direct farm gate access.
Nhyira Feeds (Bigg Bunny Farms)
- Overview: The feed brand of a highly diversified agricultural enterprise. Their strategy targets a wide variety of small- to medium-scale farmers and hobbyists.
- Products: An exceptionally broad catalog including standard poultry and pig feeds, as well as niche feeds for turkeys, guinea fowls, quails, and rabbits. They also sell raw ingredients, additives, farm equipment, and even live animals.
- Location: Kokomlemle, Accra.
- Contact: +233(0)24-443-9771 / info@biggbunnygh.com
Gateway Feeds and Farms
- Overview: A socially-driven enterprise focused on comprehensive farmer empowerment, particularly in the Oti Region. Their business model is centered on service delivery with products to support it.
- Products: Focuses on high-value additives and boosters rather than bulk feed, such as Poultry Egg Booster, Milk Boosters for livestock, and multi-purpose premixes.
- Services & Support: Their core offering includes farmer training, market linkage, agribusiness development, and agricultural technology implementation.
- Location: Main base in the Oti Region with outlets in Hohoe and Accra.
- Contact: +233 20 888 6650 / info@gatewayfeeds.com
Comparative Analysis: Choosing the Right Supplier
With a diverse set of poultry feed manufacturers in Ghana, selecting the right partner depends on a farmer’s specific needs. The table below provides an at-a-glance comparison of the top companies.
Company Name | Business Model | Core Product Focus | Key Service | Distribution Method |
---|---|---|---|---|
De Heus Ghana | International Powerhouse | Complete Feeds, Concentrates | On-farm technical support | Third-party dealer network |
Boris B’s Farms | Integrated National Champion | Imported & Local Feeds, Vet Supplies | Logistics & Transport | Company-owned branches |
Agricare Limited | Veteran Manufacturer | Complete Feeds (Poultry, Livestock) | Nationwide distribution | Direct Sales & Distribution |
Maridav Ghana Ltd. | Pharmaceutical & Nutrition Specialist | Concentrates, Additives, Vet Drugs | Technical advice on inputs | Direct Sales from Branches |
Big Stars Animal Feed | Rising Brand | Complete Feeds, Wide range of Concentrates | Wide product availability | Distributors & Sales Depots |
Strategic Takeaways for Farmers
Choosing a feed supplier is a critical business decision that goes beyond the price per bag. Farmers should consider the supplier’s reliability for high-volume orders, the quality of their technical support, and logistical convenience. For those mixing their own rations, companies with a strong portfolio of concentrates and additives like Maridav and Big Stars are excellent choices. For those seeking an all-in-one solution with transport included, Boris B’s integrated model is highly attractive. Ultimately, this review of the top poultry feed companies in Ghana aims to equip farmers with the knowledge to select a strategic partner that best fits their operational model and helps them achieve maximum profitability.