Chocolates Made in Mombasa

Kenya has in the previous years been a non-producing cocoa country and so are its major cities like Mombasa, for a long time it has been relying on importation of cocoa from fellow African countries like in Ghana in western Africa this is due to the love of cocoa products like chocolates. It is for the love of chocolates and wanting to see other people happy prompted Ruweida Khalid to become a chocolatier along the coast of Kenya Mombasa.

With coming of Covid- 19 pandemic which was a big blow to the country’s economy, many people were struggling economically and this dealt a blow to many households. SMEs talked about their financial struggles as many businesses and jobs were affected.  Interestingly, this was an opportunity for Ruweida Khalid to spread the love through chocolates. Scientifically, chocolates are made up of cocoa active ingredients including cocoa polyphenols that relieve stress which brings about happiness. She started the production at her home kitchen and so, Choco bliss by RuRu was born.

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Chocolates are a to go products during many happy occasions like birthdays, weddings, baby showers, surprise gifts. And Mombasa is hub for everything celebration and a happy life. Choco bliss was officially introduced to the market during last year’s Valentine’s day – a decision that Ruweida does not regret.

She wants to create a product that will always be available for the people no matter the flavor they want, it can go as far as a special request flavor and that’s how her range of flavors came into existence. The unique packaging makes it more appetizing even before you see the chocolate in the sense that it can be customized according to the message that you wish you convey through chocolates. This could be love messages, congratulatory messages and daily motivations that will lift someone’s spirits.

Our country has been for a long time relying on international importation of chocolates and domination of a particular brand in the market as opposed to recognizing SME’s especially in the chocolate industries, it is Ruweida’s wish that she will grow and be the leading supplier of chocolates not only in Mombasa but in the whole country and worldwide.

In the market for SMEs

Kenya has introduced cocoa farming in its industrial crop sub-sector. The venture is spearheaded by Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO) in partnership with the private sector  for research and distribution of seeds.

In 2019 Kenya sold 240 tonnes of chocolate. In 2019 alone, the demand for Kenya chocolate (processed category) has reduced, recording a change of -15.493 per cent compared to the year 2018. Between 2017 and 2019, chocolate’s exports decreased by -38.93% bringing Kenya US$2.32m for the year 2019.

Mombasa, Kenya.

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