We’re Committed to impacting the agricultural sector in Africa – Amaka Emmanuel
- Fresh County is a remarkable brand that has been making waves since its inception. Founded by a visionary entrepreneur, Amaka Emmanuel-Makata who recognized the challenges faced by local farmers, Fresh County was officially registered in 2014 and began operations in 2015. The brand is dedicated to bridging the gap between farmers and consumers by providing fresh produce while minimizing food waste.
As we’re set to interview the founder, we aim to delve deeper into the journey of Fresh County, exploring its impact on the community and the innovative ideas that drive its success.
Journalist: Thank you for joining us today, Amaka Emmanuel. Fresh County has made quite an impact since its inception. Can you tell us about the journey that led you to establish this brand?
Amaka Emmanuel: Thank you for having me, My journey began when I noticed the struggles of local farmers in my village. They had an abundance of fresh produce but faced significant challenges in accessing markets. I wanted to create a solution that would not only help them but also address the issue of food wastage.
Journalist: That’s inspiring! How did you go from recognizing this problem to launching Fresh County?
Amaka Emmanuel: It was a process of empathy and determination. I realized that by creating a direct distribution channel, I could connect farmers with retailers and consumers. This would minimize food waste and ensure that farmers received fair compensation for their hard work.
Journalist: You also mentioned a personal passion for creating nutritious smoothies. How did that evolve into a product line for Fresh County?
Amaka Emmanuel: Yes! I started making smoothies at home, and my friends and family began to notice the health benefits. This encouraged me to expand Fresh County into processing fresh produce into juices, smoothies, and salads, aligning with my commitment to health and wellness.
Journalist: Fresh County has a diverse range of products. What is your vision for the brand moving forward?
Amaka Emmanuel: My vision is to continue empowering smallholder farmers and providing nutritious options for consumers. I believe in reintroducing longevity to humanity through elevated nutrition. We cater to health-conscious individuals, fitness enthusiasts, and those managing lifestyle illnesses.
Journalist: It’s great to see your commitment to community empowerment. How do you engage with the youth in your workforce?
Amaka Emmanuel: I’m proud that 70% of our employees are between the ages of 20 – 35 years old. Engaging the youth fosters innovation and creates job opportunities that uplift the community. I want to inspire them to pursue their passions and contribute positively to society. I’ll also like to add that we worked with bank of industry and Pan Atlantic University to offer Apprenticeship program to young entrepreneurs in the r agricultural value chain.
Journalist: Thank you, Amaka, for sharing your insights. Fresh County is not just a brand; it’s a movement towards sustainability and health.
Amaka Emmanuel: Thank you! I appreciate the opportunity to share our story and vision. It’s also important to note that I just launched my book on “Social Entrepreneurship, Creating a business friendly atmosphere” which can be found on amazon and I’m also working on a book to promote “Urban Gardening”, so as to encourage people in urban cities in some ways to combat food insecurity and increase nutrient intake in a budget friendly approach.
Finally, Together, we can make a significant impact in the agricultural landscape.