When you build a business from absolute scratch, you have to wear every single hat. From supply chains and logistics to manufacturing and client relations, the journey of an entrepreneur is defined by continuous growth and grit. But at EMKAO Foods, we have always believed that a truly successful business isn’t just measured by the quality of the products leaving the facility—it is measured by the wellbeing of the people inside it.
We are incredibly thrilled and honored to announce that our Founder and CEO, Ayissi Nyemba, was recently awarded the prestigious 2026 Soaring Leadership Award by the Manufacturing Safety Alliance of BC!
This award recognizes leaders who champion safety excellence, foster healthy workplace cultures, and demonstrate an unwavering commitment to the occupational health and safety of their teams.
Beyond the Checklist: Duty of Care in Manufacturing
Building a sustainable farm-to-factory cocoa business means taking responsibility at every single step of the journey. For Ayissi, that responsibility starts with the human element. Workplace safety isn’t just a regulatory checklist or a corporate buzzword; it is a core company value.
In her acceptance speech, Ayissi shared a powerful reflection on what leadership means in an industrial environment:
"Leaders are the architects of community wellbeing. When employees walk into EMKAO, they trust us with their personal health and livelihood. Safety is a human right, and as a leader and founder my first job is duty of care."
A Win for the Entire EMKAO Family
While this award highlights Ayissi’s visionary leadership, it truly belongs to the entire EMKAO Foods family. Building a culture of safety excellence requires daily commitment, trust, and dedication from every member of our team. It’s about creating an environment where people actively look out for one another, speak up, and take pride in maintaining an ecosystem rooted in deep respect and human dignity.
We want to extend our deepest gratitude to the Manufacturing Safety Alliance of BC for this incredible honor and for their tireless work advocating for safer workplaces across the manufacturing sector.
As we look ahead to new campaigns, expanding facilities, and deeper supply chain milestones, this recognition serves as a powerful reminder of why we do what we do. We are proving that you can scale an ethical, high-quality manufacturing business while keeping human care at the absolute center of operations.
Thank you to our partners, clients, and community for walking this beautiful journey with us. We are just getting started! 🚀🍫
Want to learn more about our commitment to transparency, safety, and sustainable cocoa processing? Explore [Our Story] or get in touch with our team today.