An atelier examining the access of local food products to supermarkets took place on 15 October 2026. Participants gathered at the Chambre de commerce et d'industrie du Bénin (CCI Bénin) to address structural challenges and barriers preventing domestic goods from reaching retail shelves. The session focused on the specific difficulties producers encounter when attempting to distribute their items through modern supermarket channels within Bénin. Representatives from companies including Fermes AK SAS, King of Soto, and various industry stakeholders evaluated current market distribution standards during the proceedings. Attendees considered how supply chain logistics and packaging requirements influence the presence of locally manufactured food in commercial outlets. The meeting concluded with a review of potential strategies to improve the visibility of Beninese food products in the retail sector.
Challenges Facing Local Producers
Mabel Adekambi, president of Fermes AK SAS, moderated a panel discussion on 15 October 2026 addressing the limited representation of domestic goods in retail environments. During the session, she noted the disparity between agricultural output and retail availability, stating, "Nous nous rendons compte que nous avons beaucoup de producteurs, mais peu de produits au niveau des supermarchés."
Participants analyzed structural hurdles that prevent local food items from reaching supermarket shelves. The discussion identified product quality, brand visibility, and the necessity of adhering to sanitary and distribution standards as primary barriers for local businesses. Carole Fachina, leader of King of Soto, explained the difficulty of aligning small-scale production with commercial requirements, noting, "Pour nous, c’est de pouvoir rallier la qualité aux normes et aussi vers une bonne visibilité."
The panel included several subject matter experts who evaluated these operational constraints. Sociologist and researcher Aimé V. Tcheffa argued that consumer preference for local goods depends on meeting specific standards, remarking, "Entre la moutarde de Dijon et celle d’Abomey, je choisirai celle d’Abomey parce qu’elle répond à mes exigences en tant que Béninois." Joining the discussion were quality control specialist Kanhounnon Mahugnon Thierno and quality infrastructure engineer Léon-Lee Dossou, who provided technical perspectives on the compliance gaps currently limiting market access for Beninese producers.
Broader regional efforts are also underway to address these market entry issues. The CEDEAO is mobilizing initiatives to promote the consumption of local products across its member states. These efforts aim to integrate domestic production more effectively into the regional retail sector, providing a framework for producers to meet the requirements necessary for supermarket distribution.