“Délices” is a startup specialized in the transformation of dates. It is the initiative of a group of young women whose ambition is to enhance and promote local dates all over the world.
The idea is to publicize the Chadian palm groves and promote the dates produced in the Chadian oasis system through products processed for domestic consumption.
Achta Gonney and his co-promoter Chéné Allamine have been transforming, since February 2020, thanks to their startup Délices, several products based on local dates. Using three varieties of dates, they make honey, jam, powder (substitute for refined sugar), coffee (decaffeinated), Juice (dates + ginger and dates + lemon), sweets among others. “We will no longer need to import processed date products into Chad,” Chéné Allamine said. Prices vary from 1,000 to 6,000 CFA francs, depending on the products.
For the moment, their transformation techniques remain a secret. But, they confide that their difficulties are enormous – “We are still at the beginning with limited means, especially with regard to processing materials. At two, the work sometimes becomes painful but thank God we are doing, “continues Chéné.
Selling Technics
First, they use prospecting which is, moreover, the “first commercial action” which consists in seeking customers likely to be interested in the products. Then there is the preparation, confidence building and delivery of orders.
Why the transformation of dates?
Dates are a precious windfall with therapeutic virtues that must be valued. But how ? – “We said to ourselves, certainly through its industrialization. Nothing is to throw flesh at the pits. Dates for those who do not know, are very rich in vitamins, fiber and antioxidants, trace elements, amino acid, minerals, proteins etc. ” explains Achta Gonney, Co-promoter.
The two young people aspire to make their startup ‘’ Délices ’’ a large renowned company that can improve the functioning of the date value chain.