Benin: ORANA launches industrial production of orange and pineapple concentrates in Za-Kpota

ORANA’s factory, located in Za-Kpota in the Zou department, officially began operations on August 15, 2026. The agro-industrial unit specializes in turning locally produced oranges and pineapples into aseptic concentrates intended in particular for beverage and food-industry professionals.

Local fruit processing is reaching a new milestone in Benin with the start of production at ORANA SA. Based in Za-Kpota, the unit officially launched on August 15, 2026 with two main products: orange concentrate and pineapple concentrate.

According to the company, raw materials must be sourced locally. The goal is to process a larger share of fruits grown in Benin and offer concentrates for producers of beverages, cocktails, pastries and, more broadly, the food industry.

The installation relies on a fully automated FENCO production line. The industrial process includes fruit reception and selection, extraction, juice concentration, pulp processing and aseptic packaging of the final product.

ORANA says it uses low-temperature concentration with falling-film vacuum evaporators. This technique is designed to limit changes in the juice’s characteristics during the concentration stage before packaging.

A unit focused on local processing

Aseptic packaging should help preserve the concentrates under conditions suitable for industrial use. The company also highlights traceability of raw materials and the ability to deliver products directly to professionals.

ORANA says it holds GLOBALG.A.P. and HACCP certifications, two standards covering agricultural practices and food-safety risk control respectively. These certifications fit into the company’s strategy of meeting the requirements of professional markets.

The factory’s launch was accompanied by a training program for the teams responsible for running it. “There were many training initiatives, with the aim of developing our teams’ autonomy,” explains Hassiba Dehri Kheloufi, CEO of ORANA SA.

Technical managers involved in the installation say they tested the various pieces of equipment before startup. “We tested all the machines. Everything is ready to start. Employees are equipped for every stage,” says Roberto Bocchi, an engineer at FENCO.

Technical skills gradually transferred to Beninese teams

For Lorenzo Primiera, technical project manager at Fratelli Indelicato, the commissioning comes after the installation of a line he describes as “modern, compact and highly efficient.” The company says the preparation phase was also dedicated to transferring skills to the employees responsible for the plant’s day-to-day operation.

ORANA’s management presents the start of production as a milestone in the industrial valorization of Beninese agricultural products. The company intends to rely on the orange and pineapple sectors to supply its unit and develop an offer of concentrates made on national territory.

The plant’s installation in Za-Kpota comes as Benin seeks to increase the share of agricultural production processed locally. Pineapple is already one of the country’s export crops, while orange is a significant crop in several farming areas.

In its statement announcing the start of operations, ORANA also thanked former president Patrice Talon and President Romuald Wadagni for the support granted during the establishment of the industrial unit.