WELCOME TO
3F AFRICA
sheanuts
about us “ The potential of a seed is not recognized, until one fine day we see it standing strong, majestic and gigantic as a tree. So true. It’s the tree that captures our attention and not the seed from which it sprouts” Yet, we will fail not to recall the modest start of the 3F group. It’s a saga of 45 years and the Vision of Mr.B.K.Goenka (Chairman and Managing Director) that has made the 3F group a conglomerate of 20 diversified industrial units. Starting with edible oil extraction and refining we branched out into multifarious vistas visà-vis oil palm cultivation, manufacture of edible oils and its by-products, bakery shortenings and margarine, specialty fats, commodity trading, garments, power etc., Notably, we have emerged as one of the largest “ Bakery fat & Margarine” manufacturers in India and “ World leaders in Specialty fats ( CBS) Technology”. For over five decades we have led the trading industry as a supplier of choice of utilities in the commodity trading business.To take advantage of its broad based business know how, infrastructure and financial resources 3F-Group India has established a base in West Africa to serve the commodity buyers and sellers globally. With the committed team enterprise of over 1000 employees, the 3F group steered past the Indian landscape to expand overseas. Our network and goodwill has been vibrantly growing in countries abroad eversince.
products sheanuts
Introduction
Shea - known in the local Dioula language as Karite ( life ) generally grows wild, with little need of any cultivation or nourishment. Shea nuts are primarily grown in West and Central Africa in the semi-arid Sahel, referred to by traders as the “Shea Belt�. Vitellaria paradoxa and Vitellaria nilotica are the two main varieties. Vitellaria paradoxa is exported in the largest volume and grows throughout the West African region. Vitellaria nilotica is produced primarily in northern Uganda and southern Sudan. Sheanut products, the solid fat (butter or stearin) and the liquid oil (olein), are ideal for use as raw materials in cooking oil, margarine, cosmetics, soap, detergents and candles, but it has found its primary market niche as a substitute for cocoa butter in the chocolate and confectionery industry.
Production Method
Shea nut trees grow widely and naturally in West Africa. They only begin to bear fruit after about 20 years and do not reach maturity for 45 years. They may continue to produce nuts for up to 200 years after reaching maturity. The nuts, which are embedded in a soft fruit, fall to the ground during the harvesting period (typically June through August). They are then buried in pits which causes the pulp to ferment and disintegrate and produces enough heat to prevent germination. The nuts are dried for a few days and are later shelled and winnowed, usually by hand. The kernels are dried further to reduce moisture content from about 40 percent to about 7 percent.
Demand
Manufacturers in the chocolate and other food industries prefer to buy the shea nuts as opposed to the butter so that they can have as much control as possible over the processing and quality of the final product. Nuts are also preferred because they can be stored for up to five years in the right conditions, while the butter is more expensive to store and deteriorates more rapidly. Exports of shea butter from African countries tend to be unrefined. Shea nut supply far outstrips demand. Over 600,000 MTs of the dominant variety, Vitellaria paradoxa, is produced in West Africa . Most is used as a cooking oil or as a butter for the skin and hair locally. The other variety, Vitellaria nilotica, has a superior quality which is preferred by the cosmetics firms.
products sheanuts
Unfortunately this variety is primarily grown and processed in northern Uganda and southern Sudan, both currently states of civil unrest, and so it is generally unavailable on the market. The export of shea nuts from West Africa varies from 60,000 - 80,000 mts but it is estimated that the harvestable crop could be as high as 150,000 mts.
Import Markets
A few companies control the import market for shea nuts. Their main clients are chocolate manufacturers as the shea nut by-products are among the principal ingredients in cocoa butter equivalents (CBEs). Many countries, including the US, forbid the manufacture of CBEs, so the main importers tend to be in Europe with minor amounts also shipped to Japan. However, even in Europe not all countries allow CBE manufacture, but they all allow the sale of CBE products. The countries that allow its manufacture include the UK, Denmark, Sweden, Portugal, Ireland, Russia and Japan. Shea butter is becoming increasingly popular as an ingredient in cosmetics and soaps, especially in France and the US. According to one importer interviewed, they have seen a threefold increase in demand for shea butter in the past year. Chocolate and confectionery products account for 95 percent of shea butter demand, with only 5 percent currently used for cosmetics and pharmaceuticals.
Role of 3F Africa
» To supply quality sheanuts from West Africa » Prompt shipment » Buying units all over the country » Well equipped lab at Central point of aggregation. » Tie up with large Liners for efficient stuffing at port 3F Africa is a wholly owned subsidiary of FOODS FATS AND FERTILISERS LTD, India. FFF has been in the shea nuts business for more than 5 years. Today 3F Africa is one of the largest importers of sheanuts into India and one of the most reputed suppliers of Shea stearine to the largest chocolate manufacturers in the world. With this technical expertise and the ability to understand and manage the quality of sheanuts 3f Africa has a competitive advantage which is shown by its capability to deliver a high quality product in large volumes.
products cashewnuts
Introduction
The cashew, Anacardium Occidentale L., belongs to the Anacardiaceae or cashew family. Two other important plants in this family are the mango tree and pistachio tree. The cashew tree is a hearty, fast growing evergreen with an umbrella like canopy. Under favourable conditions it may reach a height of forty to fifty feet. The tree has a rather messy look with its gnarled stem and crooked branches. Cashew trees flourish in the extreme heat of the tropics. They are easily cultivated, vigorous, drought-resistant and require little care. They may live for thirty or forty years. Cashew trees produce both a fruit (“apple”) and a nut, and a valuable oil can be drawn from the nut shell. After the cashew flower blooms, a nut forms. The apple later swells between the nut shell and the stem. It takes two months for the cashew apple to ripen. When harvested, the apple can only keep for twenty four hours before it begins to ferment. Although the fruit can be used for making many typical fruit products (jellies, jams, juice, wine and liquor), the apple is often discarded, in pursuit of the nut. If processed and stored properly, the cashew nut can be keeps for a year or longer. Most people experience the cashew in its processed, roasted form. Cashews in stores that are labeled as being “raw” are simply “not roasted”. They are not truly raw as they have been steamed out of their shells. Few people know about the very delightful taste and nutritive quality of the cashew nut in its unprocessed raw form. The raw cashews are much sweeter, tastier and nutritious than their cooked counterparts.
Demand
Raw cashew nuts grown in West Africa is not consumed directly. The nut has to be processed where the kernel is extracted from the Cashew seed. This is a specialized process which is dominated by India. Other countries processing cashew are Brazil and Vietnam. 65% of the global processing volumes are handled in India, 20% in Brazil and 15% in Vietnam. India is the largest importer of raw cashew nuts from West Africa.
Quality
Quality is the first and last word in cashew trade. The value of a raw cashew nut or processed cashew nut depends on the size of the nut, count, moisture, admixture, outturn and the defective nut.
products cashewnuts
Unlike the other commodities raw cashew nut is not traded only on quality certificates. A buyers representative is always available at the Port of the shipment to carryout the standard test before the material is shipped. 3F Africa has a team of quality inspectors who move around the bushes for procurement of cashew nut carrying a test for each and every lot procured. Every nut bought by 3F Africa has value on quality. Depending on the buyers requirement, we can supply various qualities of raw cashew nuts from 3F Africa, Ivory Coast, Benin, Tanzania, Mali etc.
Role of 3F Africa
» To supply quality cashew nuts from West Africa » Prompt shipment » Buying units all over the country » Well equipped lab at Central point of aggregation. » Tie up with large Liners for efficient stuffing at port 3F Africa is an wholly owned subsidiary of Foods Fats & Fertilisers Limited, India. Foods Fats & Fertilisers Limited is an international commodity trading house based in South India established in the year 1960. It has strong presence in Kerala, the hub of cashew processing in the world. Having three offices in Kerala, Foods Fats & Fertilisers Ltd. Is always available for customers support and shipment related services. Foods Fats & Fertilisers Ltd. Also imports Cashew into India from 3F Africa and offers the material to processors on high seas.
products sesame seeds
Introduction
The English term sesame traces back to the arabic simsim, Coptic semsem and early Egyptian semsent (the later being listed in the Ebers Papyrun, a 65-feet-long scroll listing ancient herbs and spices discovered by the famous german Egyptologist, Ebers). The earliest recorded use of a spice - sesame seed - comes before they created the earth. Sesame indicumf, (indicum meaning from india) is native to the east Indies. Usage dates back to 3000 B.C. Over 5000 years ago, the chinese burned sesame oil not only as a light source but also to make soot of their ink blocks. African slaves brought sesame seeds, which they called benne seeds, to America, where they became a popular ingredient in southern dishes. Sesame seed oil is still the main source of fat used in the cooking in the near and far east.
Demand
Sesame seed is the oldest seeds known to mankind. Sesame probably originates in Asia or East Africa and is now grow in the most of the tropical, sub tropical and southern temperate areas of the world. Sesame seed can be crushed and the oil produced can be used principally as a salad or cooking oil. Certain grades of sesame seed which are white and have a larger sized grain are used extensively in the cuisines of the Middle East and Asia and as a flavouring / garnishing on bakery and other confectionery items in Europe and North America.World production of sesame seeds is estimated at 2.25 million tonnes, of which 70% is consumed in the producing countries itself. Annual trading volumes are estimated at 600,000 mt, valued at US$500 million. India, China, Myanmar in Asia, Nigeria and Ethiopia and Tanzania in Africa and Guatemala in Central America are the major producing and exporting countries with japan the world’s largest importer.
Procurement
3F has established various points of collection where the Sesame seeds are received from the farmers and agents. These small lots are stored in Quality warehouse with cleaning machines to ensure proper storage, quality upgradation and hygienic packing. 3F can supply Sesame seeds from Nigeria, Burkina Faso & Tanzania. The seeds from these countries are mainly used in the crushing industry. The quality parameters of Sesame seeds are based on the Oil content, Admixture, FFA and Moisture. Quality certificate can be obtained from Surveyors of International repute like SGS & Lloyds Society.
Role of 3F Africa
» To supply quality sesame seeds from West Africa » Prompt shipment » Buying units all over the country » Well equipped lab at Central point of aggregation. » Tie up with large Liners for efficient stuffing at port
products copra
Standard Specification FFA - 5% Max Moisture - 5% Max
Introduction Copra is dried coconut albumen. Copra is the dried meat, or kernel, of the coconut. The name derives from Khopra, the Hindi word for coconut. Copra is the commercial form of coconut from which coconut oil is extracted by boiling and pressing. It was developed as a commercial product by merchants in the South Seas and South Asia in the 1860’s.
Production Method
The flowering of the coconut palm results in drupes, which are green fruit growing in bunches of 5 or 6 in the axils of the tree: each fruit in turn contains 5 or 6 nuts. A dense fibrous husk 5 to 15 cm thick surrounds the nuts, called the pericarp. Under the husk, there is a very hard, thin brown kernel containing the albumen, a milky white liquid known as coconut milk, which is transformed into flesh as the fruit matures. This is the substance of which coconut or copra, consists. Coconut Farming Germinated coconuts are planted at low depths in a rich soil to which a preferably salty sand has been added. Coconut palms require only approximately 1.5 cubic metres of water per year, which means that they do not need to be watered unless the dry season lasts for longer than 3 months. Although coconut trees can be planted all year round, it is best to avoid doing so during the dry season. Coconut palms produce their first crop at the age of six to eight years and continue to produce coconuts for a further fifty to seventy years under normal growth conditions, as long as they undergo no damage. When the coconuts have matured, they fall to the ground. Sometimes the farmers do not wait for this to occur and harvest them by picking them from the trees.
Packing & Season
3Copra is packed in sound, uniformed natural fiber bags suitable for exports as customary demands in the country of origin, Ghana West Africa. Each bag weighs 60 kilograms. We can pack depending on buyer’s preference. The season is Between February to July and October to December.
Role of 3F Africa
To supply quality Copra from West Africa Prompt shipment Buying units all over the country Well equipped lab at Central point of aggregation Tie up with large Liners for efficient stuffing at port
products groundnuts
Introduction
The peanut, or Groundnut (Arachis hypogaea) is a species in the legume family Fabaceae native to South America, Mexico and Central America. Although a nut in the culinary sense, in the botanical sense the fruit of the peanut is a woody, indehiscent legume and not a nut. Peanuts are also known as earthnuts, goobers, goober peas, pindas, jack nuts, pinders, manila nuts and monkey balls. (The last of these is often used to mean the entire pod, not just the seeds. In the UK these are sold as monkey nuts.)
Demand
Edible peanuts account for two-thirds of the total peanut use in the United States. Popular confections include salted peanuts, peanut butter (sandwiches, candy bars, and cups), peanut brittle, and shelled nuts (plain/roasted). Salted peanuts are usually roasted in oil and packed in retail size, plastic bags or hermetically sealed cans. Dry roasted, salted peanuts are also marketed in significant quantities. The primary use of peanut butter is in the home, but large quantities are also used in the commercial manufacture of sandwiches, candy, and bakery products. Boiled peanuts are a preparation of raw, unshelled green peanuts boiled in brine and typically eaten as a snack in the southern United States where most peanuts are grown. The European Union is the largest consuming region in the world that does not produce peanuts. All of its consumption is supplied by imports. Consumption of peanuts in the EU is primarily as food, mostly as roasted-in-shell peanuts and as shelled peanuts used in confectionery and bakery products.
Role of 3F Africa
» To supply quality Ground nuts from West Africa » Prompt shipment » Buying units all over the country » Well equipped lab at Central point of aggregation. » Tie up with large Liners for efficient stuffing at port
products tigernuts
Introduction
The Tiger nut is not really a nut but a small tuber first discovered some 4000 years ago. It has many other names like Zulu nut, yellow nutgrass, ground almond, edible rush and rush nut. These rhizomes are acorn-sized and chestnut brown to blackish-brown, with a wrinkled skin. In Spain it is very popular and is known as Chufa. It is one of two major species of the nutsedge genus Cyperus found as a weed in the tropics and subtropics on all types of disturbed soil. The tubers are about the size of peanuts and are abundantly produced. Tiger nuts are rich in oil which can be extracted for culinary and industrial use. “Horchata” is vegetable milk made with Tiger nut juice which is very popular in Spain.
Demand
Tiger nuts are widely cultivated in and exported from China, Mali and the Ivory Coast. Eaten raw they make a very acceptable snack and have a flavour and texture reminiscent of coconut.. They can be dehydrated by soaking before consumption and even softened further by boiling. Spain and the rest of Europe are one of the largest importers of Tiger nuts.
Procurement
3F Ghana has established various points of collection where the Sesame seeds are received from the farmers and agents. These small lots are stored in Quality warehouse with cleaning machines to ensure proper storage, quality upgradation and hygienic packing.3F Ghana can supply Sesame seeds from Nigeria, Burkina Faso & Tanzania.
Role of 3F Africa
» To supply quality Tiger nuts from West Africa » Prompt shipment » Buying units all over the country » Well equipped lab at Central point of aggregation. » Tie up with large Liners for efficient stuffing at port
products cotton
Introduction
Cotton is a soft, staple fiber that grows around the seeds of the cotton plant (Gossypium sp.), a shrub native to tropical and subtropical regions around the world, including the Americas, India, and Africa. However, virtually all of the commercial cotton grown today worldwide is grown from varieties of the native American species Gossypium hirsutum and Gossypium barbadense. The fiber is most often spun into yarn or thread and used to make a soft, breathable textile, which is the most widely used natural-fiber cloth in clothing today. The English name derives from the Arabic (al) qutn ?????, meaning cotton. (The Spanish word algodón has the same etymology.) The term used in the 1800’s and 1900’s for cotton was called “King”.
Demand
Cotton is used to make a number of textile products. Cotton is also used to make yarn used in crochet and knitting. Fabric can also be made from recycled or recovered cotton that would otherwise be thrown away during the spinning, weaving or cutting process. While many fabrics are made completely of cotton, some materials blend cotton with other fibers, including rayon and synthetic fibers such as polyester. In addition to the textile industry, cotton is used in fishnets, coffee filters, tents, gunpowder (see Nitrocellulose), cotton paper and in bookbinding. The first Chinese paper was made of cotton fiber. Fire hoses were once made of cotton. The cottonseed which remains after the cotton is ginned is used to produce cottonseed oil, which after refining can be consumed by humans like any other vegetable oil. Cotton linters are fine, silky fibers which adhere to the seeds of the cotton plant after ginning. These curly fibers are typically less than 1/8in, 3mm long. The term may also apply to the longer textile fiber staple lint as well as the shorter fuzzy fibers from some upland species. Linters are traditionally used in the manufacture of paper and as a raw material in the manufacture of cellulose. The world production of cotton is over 22 million tons which is dominated by 3 producers USA, China and India .The exportable surplus is above 7.0 million tons with USA, Africa and Central Asia accounting for over 65% of the world’s exports.The major importing markets are in Asia such as China, Indonesia, Thailand, and Bangladesh etc.
Role of 3F Africa
» To supply quality Cotton from West Africa » Prompt shipment » Buying units all over the country » Well equipped lab at Central point of aggregation. » Tie up with large Liners for efficient stuffing at port
products hibiscus
Introduction
Hibiscus sabdiriffa, commonly known as hibiscus or roselle, grows in many tropical and subtropical countries and is one of highest volume specialty botanical products in international commerce.The leaves are used extensively for animal fodder and fiber, but the swollen calyces are the plant part of commercial interest. As the flowers fall off, the bright red calyces swell. These are harvested by hand, dried, and sold whole into the herbal tea and beverage industry. The flavor is a combination of sweet and tart, similar to cranberry. In addition to international markets, there are extensive local and regional markets as well where it is processed into hot and cold herbal beverages, jellies, confectionaries and other products.
Demand
Demand has steadily increased for roselle over the past decades. Currently approximately 15,000 metric tons enter international trade each year. Many countries produce roselle but the quality markedly differs. In addition to fodder and fiber, it is used for other purposes as well. In China the seeds are used for their oil and the plant is used for medicinal properties, and in West Africa the leaves and powdered seeds are a local foodstuff. It has many other local names including sorrel, l’oiselle (French), jamaica (Spanish), bissap (Wolof/Senegal) and dâ (Bambara) among others. In North Africa and the Near East roselle is called karkade (Arabic), the name also used in the pharmaceutical and food flavoring trade in Europe. Germany and the United States are the main countries importing roselle.
Quality
Quality and reputation are everything in the specialty botanicals marketplace. In order to gain market share and develop a trustworthy reputation, our goal is to consistently develop a product which is reliable in quantity and quality.
Role of 3F Africa
» To supply quality hibiscus nuts from West Africa » Prompt shipment » Buying units all over the country » Well equipped lab at Central point of aggregation. » Tie up with large Liners for efficient stuffing at port
products gum arabic
Introduction
Gum Arabic was known as an article of commerce since the year 4,000 B.C. and was widely used in Egypt during the Pharaoh’s Civilization in the preparation of Ink, Water Colors and Dyes. The name “GUM ARABIC” was derived from the fact that it was shipped to Europe from Arabian Ports in the old days, Gum Arabic is therefore long established in the World’s Markets. Gum Arabic is the natural gummy exuded obtained by tapping the branches of the Acacia Senegal tree and its closely related species. Gum Arabic “HASHAB” is prized for its outstanding and highly uniform characteristics such as excellent solubility, pale color and superb emulsifying and film-forming properties.
Grades and Processing
We process different grades of gum derived from Acacia Senegal, however, the “CLEANED” grades, and the “HAND-PICKED and SELECTED” grades (bigger tears, lighter color) remain the qualities of choice for food, beverage and pharmaceutical applications. A lesser grade derived from Acacia Seyal, known as gum “TALHA”, has diversed technical applications, and may be further processed by “Kibbling,” “Granulating”, “Powdering” and “Spray Drying”.
Demand
Gum Arabic is an essential element in many industries: » » » » » » » » »
Confectionery Bakery Beverages Encapsulated Flavors Pharmaceutical and Vitamins Chemical and Cosmetic High Fiber Formulation Printing, Colors and Textile Formulations Miscellaneous
3 F’s role in the Gum Arabic business Today, 3FG is physically present in all the gum arabic growing origins from Nigeria to Benin, Mali, Togo, Ghana, Ivory Coast and Burkina Faso. In all these countries it has established a procurement network reaching to the very first link in the chain - the collectors.
products gum arabic
The main quality parameters in gum arabic are : [a] Moisture content 12-14% [b] Optical rotation 25-35 [c] Foreign matter < 3-5%. With its experience and available data, 3FG has correlated the results obtained in its laboratories with those obtained in tests conducted at European laboratories which have enabled the company to demarcate growing areas in each country in terms of the quality of the gum arabic grown and processed. The ability to understand and manage the quality of gum arabic is 3F’s competitive advantage which is shown by its capability to consistently deliver to its customer, a high quality product in large volumes. 3F, by its presence in all the gum arabic growing countries and its position in the industry is uniquely positioned to harness the significant growth anticipated in the gum arabic industry.
Role of 3F Africa
» To supply quality Gum Arabic from West Africa » Prompt shipment » Buying units all over the country » Well equipped lab at Central point of aggregation. » Tie up with large Liners for efficient stuffing at port
products mango
Introduction
Originating from India, the mango tree was reported for the first time in West Africa, in Senegal, in 1824. It was at the end of the Sixth century that the mango trees began to have a significant distribution, especially in the coastal zones. An Amélie mango tree introduced in Mali around the 1890s allowed the grafting of many trees, which were widely distributed in the bordering countries. At the end of the 1940s, collections were gradually established in the entire zone and, during the decade 1970-1980, every country in French-speaking West Africa had at least a collection of mango trees. Mali was the first country to export mangos towards Europe, around the end of the 1960s. It was followed by Burkina Faso, Guinea, Senegal, and especially the Côte d’Ivoire, whose exports, of approximately 2500 Tons at the beginning of the 1990s, were multiplied by 4.5 in 2000. This fast growth of exports from the Côte d’Ivoire profited from the presence of a maritime front and of a mass effect created by pineapple and banana exports. Amélie for a long time constituted the main part of the exports of Mali, Burkina Faso and the Côte d’Ivoire. However, since 1971, experimental shipments of colored mangos have been successfully realized. With mango consumption becoming democratized in Europe, the choice of exported varieties was gradually tightened: Amélie, at the beginning of the harvest season, then Kent, Keitt and Palmer. Parallel to this varietal evolution, the packaging techniques were gradually modernized.
Mangoes in West Africa
Burkina Faso is the major producer of mangoes in West Africa with over 140,000 metric tons per year. Bobo-Dioulasso is the best area for mangoes. We offer for export quality mangoes Amelie (Governor), Kent and Keith types. There are so many mangoes in Burkina Faso that there are no industrial plantations and nobody in the country uses pesticides or fertilizers: it is easier to choose only the best fruits. That’s why even if not certified our mangoes are 100% organic. For best taste and quality our mangoes are picked maximum 2 days before sending. Depending the mango type the season is from March to the end of July Sizes 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 and 12 fruits per 4 or 5kg cartons.
products mango
Shipments
Air: Before loading the packages of processed mangoes, the conveyance will be carefully inspected to ensure it is thoroughly clean and free from hitchhiking pests. At the completion of loading, the doors of the vehicle will be closed and locked and suitable seal will be affixed to ensure the integrity of processed consignment. This air Shipment will be forwarded to the perishable air cargo complex at the airport. If there is any delay in air shipment, the sealed containers will be stored in a cold storage facility without commingling with non-programmed fruits until loading into aircraft to prevent cross-infestation. Sea: The Mangoes are cooled to 15.0 degrees C and then packed in laminated CFB box or thermocool box, labeled and marked. This packed mango fruits are pre-cooled to 10-12 degrees C until shipment by integrated refrigerated containers by sea.
Crop Season for each type of mangoes
Amelie: March to mid May, Kent: mid April to end of June, Keith: May to mid July. Note: Keith mango is also written Keitt oir Keit
3Fâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s role in the Fruit Business
3F mango business originated in West Africa in 2006 and the first shipments were made from Mali to Europe. Growth through geographic expansion followed as 3F set up procurement operations in the West African origins of Burkina Faso and Ghana. Today, 3F is physically present in all the mango growing origins from Nigeria to Benin, Togo, Ghana, Ivory Coast and Burkina Faso. In all these countries it has established a procurement network reaching to the very first link in the chain - the collectors. The ability to understand and manage the quality of mango is 3F competitive advantage which is shown by its capability to consistently deliver to its customer, a high quality product in large volumes. 3F by its presence in all the mango growing countries and its position in the industry is uniquely positioned to harness the significant growth anticipated in the mango and its allied industry.
3Fâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Future Strategy
3FG intends to become a major participant in the mango, ensuring it is one of the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s leading suppliers of mango.
products handicrafts
Introduction
Thirty miles (48km) from Accra, the capitol of Ghana, lies a village named Aburi (pronounced a-bree) located in the Akuapem hills at approximately 1200 feet (364m) above sea level. Though best known for its botanical gardens, Aburi is home to a number of local artisans. Since the climate is highly conducive to the growth of a variety of hardwood trees, it is only natural that the carving industry would flourish in this region of Ghana. Within less than a mile (1km) of the village, carvers are able to acquire the precious woods that are essential for the various art productions. Woodworking of all kinds is truly a cottage industry in this area of the world. Since the artisans work and reside in the same location, spending countless hours devoted to this craft is a normal practice. A given woodcarving may take any amount of time to reach completion. Many days are dedicated to the harvesting of specified types of lumbers that will eventually result in beautiful hand-carved works. All of the woods that are used for this artistry must be allowed to dry for a number of days or weeks before they can be used. Hewing the wood, carving the selected item, hand sanding the piece, and lastly the staining and polishing are just some of the efforts that are required to produce this artwork. It is this constant and consistent effort that makes every item completed, a true work of art.
Demand
Handicrafts have always been the most sort after decorative object for any beautiful home. Especially handicrafts that are not accessible to common man or travelers who seldom travel to countries like Africa. Ghanaian handicrafts are imported into various parts on India and are sold through special exhibitions periodically.
Role of 3F Africa
The inhabitants of this magnificent land also possess the same aspirations and dreams as most of the people throughout the world; to live in peace and harmony while providing a better lifestyle for themselves and their families. It is with these values in mind that along with commodity trading this business was developed. It is our hope that through this effort, more people will realize the beauty of this Continent and will be given the opportunity to acquire products that espouse the artistry and the culture from this area of the world.
people & culture
ethics The 3F Group is proud of its inherent values which are pursued relentlessly to drive it towards sustainable growth. These values are the common language that binds all its people. The 3F Group stands for: » an intrinsic commitment to its people » a culture of trust, mutual respect, open communication and transparency of action » commitment to welfare-driven initiatives that make a qualitative difference to the lives of marginalised people » an environment-conscious group through its eco-friendly units » Indian values with a global mind set
people & culture
commitment The new millennium has brought with it, new challenges and expectations. At 3F Group, we already have our sights firmly focussed on the future. We capitalize on our strengths to remain at the core sectors in India and expand our global presence. With a commitment to enhancing long-term value, the 3F Group: » continues to build on its leadership in its existing core businesses » anticipates the needs and create new products and markets for its customer in its mind » continuously upgrades the quality of its products and services, by using the latest technological advances for creating growth through partnership with our customers. » constantly hones its skills in continuous improvement, cost reduction and knowledge integration. » builds linkages-forward and backward-to gain control over critical inputs and to enhance its focus on value-added products. » uses its strengths to seize emerging opportunities in key sectors. » develops a clear sustainable advantage to be a dominant player in all its business ventures. The key to our success in these endeavours lies in the strength of our human resources. We have the right people in the right positions. We have set in motion, new development processes to help our group reach optimum levels of performance.We believe, as our people grow, the 3F Group grows.
people & culture
social service The 3F Group is involved in social service activities. 3F Group has formed “Sri Rameswar Balakrishna Goenka Society” to carry on initiatives to uplift the poor and downtrodden people in organizing self-help economic evelopment by providing integrated services and facilities to the community of socially crippled people irrespective of caste, creed & community focusing on Food, Health, Education, Rural Development, Environmental Consciousness and vocational courses etc., The Goenka Family Trust runs a Arts & Science College for Women and a Co-Education Degree & Junior College in Andhra Pradesh. It has founded a Higher Secondary School in Mynamar and a Higher Secondary School in Rajasthan. It has constructed a multi-storied building in Tamilnadu, providing accommodation to tourists, social functions, library and a reading room. In addition to the aforesaid projects, it has also been regularly contributing to several educational, medical and social service institutions Over and above, since the group has a large presence in West Africa, it is involved with various NGO’s and Organisations for development of the country. The Group is associated with AMURT a worldwide organization which is actively involved in Volta river water project at North Ghana. We also provide assistance to tribals in West Africa who collect Sheanuts by providing them Gum-boots, sticks, medical supplies which are the basic requirements for these tribals when they do the picking in the wild forests.
locations 3F - MALI
Porte 130A, Rue 133, Niamakoro, Citi Unicef, Bamako Mali. Mobile : 00-223 -5591678 / 00 –223 - 4004699
3F - BURKINA FASO Post Box: 1083 Bobo –Dioulasso, Burkina Faso.
3F - BENIN
C-1126, Agontinkon 07 BP 0272, Cotonou. Maison Comlan Leon Ahossi Republique du Benin. Tel: 00 -229 – 97989142
3F - GHANA
House Ra-11/A-157, Community –11, Opp. Hope Meadows Clinque, P.O.Box DTD Services, Tema, Ghana – West Africa Mobile : 00 –233 - 243350661
IVORY COAST
Liason Office 6th Floor, Fountain Plaza, Pantheon Road, Egmore, Chennai 600 008 Phone : + 91 (44) 28193900 E-mail : info@fff.co.in
SUDAN
Liason Office 6th Floor, Fountain Plaza, Pantheon Road, Egmore, Chennai 600 008 Phone : + 91 (44) 28193900 E-mail : info@fff.co.in
ETHIOPIA
Liason Office 6th Floor, Fountain Plaza, Pantheon Road, Egmore, Chennai 600 008 Phone : + 91 (44) 28193900 E-mail : info@fff.co.in
UGANDA
Liason Office 6th Floor, Fountain Plaza, Pantheon Road, Egmore, Chennai 600 008 Phone : + 91 (44) 28193900 E-mail : info@fff.co.in
contact HEAD OFFICE Jivesh Goenka - Director. 6th Floor, Fountain Plaza, Pantheon Road, Egmore, Chennai 600 008 Phone : +91 (44) 28193900 Mobile : 98840 77777 E-mail : jivesh@fff.co.in 3F - GHANA LIMITED House Ra-11/A-157, Community -11, Opp. Hope Meadows Clinque, P.O.Box DTD Services, Tema, Ghana - West Africa E-mail : info@fff.co.in 3F- BENIN SARL C-1126, Agontinkon 07 BP 0272, Cotonou. Maison Comlan Leon Ahossi Republique du Benin. E-mail : info@fff.co.in 3F MALI SARL Porte 130A, Rue 133, Niamakoro, Citi Unicef, Bamako Mali. E-mail : info@fff.co.in 3F BURKINA FASO SARL Post Box: 1083 Bobo -Dioulasso, Burkina Faso. Mobile : 00 -233 - 243350661 E-mail : info@fff.co.in