Golden Africa Djibouti SARL: Revolutionizing the Edible Oil Industry with Excellence and Innovation – An Exclusive Interview with General Manager Adnan Hantosh

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Golden Africa Djibouti SARL (GAD) has firmly established itself as a premier producer in the edible oil sector, renowned for its commitment to quality, innovation, and sustainability. Strategically located near the Doraleh port of Djibouti, GAD operates an ISO 9001:2015 certified, state-of-the-art manufacturing and packing facility. Since its inception in 2018, the company has experienced remarkable growth, producing leading brands such as LIBA and Al Naqi, and exporting bulk palm oil, sunflower oil, and byproducts like PFAD and stearin to various African and Middle Eastern markets.

In recognition of its outstanding contributions to the industry, GAD was honored with two prestigious awards at the Global Brand Frontier Awards 2024 by Boston Brand Research & Media: "Leading Producer of Premium Edible Oil Brand - Africa, 2024" and "Best Edible Oil Brand - East Africa, 2024" for its flagship product, LIBA Refined Cooking Oil. These accolades underscore GAD's unwavering dedication to excellence and its significant impact on the edible oil landscape in the region.

At the helm of this dynamic organization is General Manager Mr. Adnan Hantosh, whose visionary leadership has been instrumental in steering GAD toward its ambitious goals. Under his guidance, the company has integrated advanced technology into its operations, streamlined processes, and achieved substantial growth, all while maintaining a steadfast commitment to quality and sustainability.

Boston Brand Research & Media is honored to present this exclusive written interview with Mr. Adnan Hantosh. In this conversation, we explore the strategies that have propelled Golden Africa Djibouti SARL to the forefront of the edible oil industry, delve into the innovations driving their success, and gain insights into their future aspirations for transforming the sector.

Interview Questions for Mr. Adnan Hantosh, General Manager of Golden Africa Djibouti SARL

1. Golden Africa Djibouti SARL has achieved significant recognition in the edible oil industry. Could you share the journey of the company since its establishment in 2018 and the key milestones that have defined its growth?

Golden Africa Djibouti was inaugurated in December 2018 with a bold vision—to become a leading manufacturer of high-quality edible oils in Africa and beyond. From the outset, we focused on strategic infrastructure, operational efficiency, and international quality standards. Some of our key milestones include the commissioning of a 3.4 km oil pipeline from Doraleh Port, the expansion of our state-of-the-art refinery and packaging facilities, and the launch of our own logistics division. Over the years, we’ve more than tripled our production and packing capacity, solidifying our footprint in East Africa and the Middle East.

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2. LIBA Refined Cooking Oil has been honored as the "Best Edible Oil Brand - East Africa, 2024." What distinguishes LIBA from other brands in the market, and what factors do you attribute to its success?

LIBA's success stems from a combination of quality, consistency, and consumer trust. Our brand promotes a healthier lifestyle, it is a cholesterol-free oil fortified with essential vitamins; Omega 6 and 9. Our investment in advanced refining and packaging technology ensures every bottle meets global safety and quality benchmarks. Additionally, our customer-first approach, efficient supply chain, and deep market understanding have enabled LIBA to resonate strongly with households across our destination markets.

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3. Quality and sustainability are central to GAD's operations. Could you elaborate on the quality control measures and sustainable practices implemented in your manufacturing processes?

Quality is non-negotiable at Golden Africa Djibouti SARL. We operate a globally accredited laboratory equipped with the latest testing technologies to monitor every stage—from crude oil intake to final product packaging. Our storage tanks are built from heavy-duty steel and coated with full-grade hypoxia to prevent contamination. On the sustainability front, we’ve reduced our carbon footprint by using direct pipeline transfers from port to facility, eliminating the need for trucking. Additionally, our in-house packaging reduces reliance on external transport and minimizes environmental waste.

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4. Innovation plays a crucial role in maintaining industry leadership. How has GAD integrated advanced technologies into its production and packaging facilities to enhance efficiency and product quality?

Innovation is embedded in our DNA. We've invested heavily in next-generation blow molding and injection molding machines that allow us to manufacture premium packaging in-house, ensuring both quality and scalability. Our automated systems streamline every part of the process, from refining to bottling, enabling us to maintain consistency while significantly increasing output. Our internal maintenance teams, composed of globally experienced engineers, ensure that our technology operates at peak performance.

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5. GAD has a diverse product portfolio, including palm oil, sunflower oil, and byproducts like PFAD and stearin. How do you approach product development and diversification to meet the evolving needs of your markets?

We closely monitor market trends and customer feedback to guide our product development strategy. Diversification is a core part of our growth, allowing us to serve various market segments with tailored products. Our ability to process and export not only refined oils but also byproducts like PFAD and stearin gives us a competitive edge and supports regional industrial needs. We’re constantly exploring opportunities to expand our portfolio in line with health trends and regional demands.

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6. The strategic location near Doraleh port offers logistical advantages. How has this positioning influenced your distribution strategies across African and Middle Eastern markets?

Our proximity to Doraleh Port provides a critical logistical edge. The direct 3.4 km pipeline allows us to receive crude oil efficiently and securely, drastically reducing turnaround time and cost. This positioning supports fast and flexible distribution, enabling us to serve multiple African and Middle Eastern markets with reduced lead times. It has also made bulk exports viable and efficient, opening up new commercial opportunities.

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7. GAD has received multiple accolades, including the "Leading Producer of Premium Edible Oil Brand - Africa, 2024." How do these recognitions impact your company's reputation and future endeavors?

These awards are a testament to the dedication and hard work of our entire team. They affirm our commitment to excellence and elevate our brand reputation in both local and international markets. Recognition helps build trust with consumers and partners, while also motivating us to raise the bar even higher. It paves the way for new partnerships, market expansions, and investment opportunities that align with our long-term vision.

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8. As a leader in the industry, what challenges has GAD faced, and how have you navigated them to achieve sustained success?

Like any rapidly growing company, we've faced challenges—logistical complexities, supply chain disruptions, and evolving market dynamics. Our response has always been proactive. We invested in our own transport division to address delivery bottlenecks and diversified our sourcing strategies to mitigate supply risks. More importantly, our internal culture of agility, innovation, and teamwork has helped us adapt quickly and effectively to market changes.

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9. Could you share insights into GAD's corporate culture and how it fosters innovation, teamwork, and a commitment to excellence among your employees?

At Golden Africa Djibouti, our people are our greatest asset. With over 500 employees from diverse cultural backgrounds, we’ve created an inclusive and empowering workplace. We encourage innovation at all levels and maintain open lines of communication between teams and leadership. Continuous training, recognition programs, and a shared sense of purpose have fostered a strong culture of excellence, collaboration, and resilience.

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10. Looking ahead, what are the future plans and aspirations for Golden Africa Djibouti SARL? Are there any upcoming projects or expansions that you are particularly excited about?

The future is bright for Golden Africa. We’re actively working on expanding our production lines, exploring new product categories, and increasing our footprints. We also plan to invest further in the latest technological equipment and sustainability initiatives. What is most is our growing ability to innovate not just in product development but in how we serve communities and contribute to healthier lifestyles across the continent and beyond.