We’re thrilled to announce that Emkao Foods has been named the winner of the 2025 Binghamton Business Plan Competition. This exciting milestone brings us one step closer to expanding our operations into the U.S. and deepening our mission of producing ethical, sustainable cocoa ingredients that empower smallholder farmers in Cameroon.
Announced earlier today by City of Binghamton Mayor Jared Kraham, this award is a testament to the strength of our vision, the passion of our team, and the impact-driven business model that drives Emkao Foods forward.
A Win That Fuels Growth and Purpose
As the competition winner, Emkao Foods will receive a valuable prize package that includes:
- $7,000 in funding
- Professional website design
- Internet marketing services
- Legal and accounting support
- Business signage
These resources will help us launch a new chocolate processing facility on Griswold Street, located on the Eastside of Binghamton. Once operational, the facility is expected to create up to five new jobs, supporting the local economy while bringing our bean-to-ingredient supply chain closer to U.S. partners.
More details on the announcement can be found on Fox 40 News Channel.
Who We Are at Emkao Foods
Founded and led by Ayissi Nyemba, Emkao Foods is a chocolate manufacturing company that imports raw cocoa beans from Cameroon and transforms them into seven premium cocoa ingredients. These include:
- Raw cocoa beans
- Cocoa nibs
- Cocoa powder
- Cocoa husks
- Cocoa liquor
- Chocolate chips
- Sample kits for food innovators
Our ingredients are trusted by bakeries, chocolatiers, ice cream makers, cafés, and food manufacturers who care about quality and sustainability. As a woman-owned business, we are deeply committed to equity, transparency, and impact.
Explore our full range of products here.
A Mission Rooted in Uplifting Cocoa Farmers
Ayissi’s vision for Emkao Foods was shaped by her upbringing around cocoa farms in Cameroon. She witnessed firsthand the struggles faced by smallholder farmers—poverty, limited access to education, and a lack of fair compensation for their labor.
“Growing up around cocoa farms, I’ve seen a lot of issues related to poverty, miseducation, and how little the smallholder farmers gain,” says Ayissi. “I wanted to let customers and the chocolate industry know that we can have a better system—a more sustainable ecosystem—by uplifting those smallholder farmers.”
At Emkao Foods, we believe value should be added at the source, not just at the point of sale. Our model ensures traceability, fair pricing, and a focus on environmental and social sustainability.
Why the Binghamton Expansion Matters
Opening a U.S. facility in Binghamton, New York, is a strategic move that aligns with our growth goals. The new location will allow us to:
- Shorten lead times for U.S. customers
- Reduce shipping emissions
- Increase capacity for custom chocolate orders
- Support job creation in a growing food production hub
We’re proud to invest in Binghamton’s vibrant small business ecosystem and contribute to a more inclusive and sustainable food industry in North America.
Let’s Build the Future of Chocolate Together
We invite chefs, food entrepreneurs, wholesalers, and conscious brands to join us on this journey. Whether you’re looking for single-origin cocoa ingredients or a meaningful supply chain story, Emkao Foods is here to support your vision.
Interested in working with us or sampling our ingredients? Contact us today to learn more.
Together, we can create chocolate that not only tastes good, but does good.