Fresh from harvest: fruit based confectionary and desserts The applicant Blue Skies Holdings Ltd (BSH), started in 1998, sources, processes and delivers fresh cuts fruits to Europe. The local partner is Blue Skies Juice (Ghana) Ltd (BSJ), which is a full daughter company of Blue Skies Holdings. The company was initially set up in 2010 to produce pineapple juice for export. Currently they are producing fresh juice for the local market which proved to be highly successful.BSH and BSJ have developed the production of coconut and fruit based confectionary and deserts from locally sourced natural ingredients. Initially the focus of this project is on the Ghanaian market, followed by the regional market (Nigeria) and the EU market in the future.Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)BSJ adheres to the Blue Skies group’s CSR Principles and Sustainability Code of Practice. These principles include:•	Livelihood of the people they are working with.•	Non-discrimination.•	No forced and child labour.•	Corruption.•	Women empowerment.•	Work safety.•	Waste and energy.The above-mentioned principles not only adhere to the people directly working for Blue Skies but also for their suppliers (farmers). The project has set up a fully certified production department for fruit based confectionary and desserts. Selected people have been and will be trained by Blue Skies staff on food processing and in all aspects of production, including food safety (ISO 22000) and quality assurance, machine operations, maintenance, work safety and general health issues.Impact•	Employment and working conditionsBlue Skies is known for taking good care of its staff. A lot of attention is paid to working conditions and on-site facilities. On site facilities include a canteen providing subsidized food, a clinic for first aid and medication, a free bus to work for staff from the surrounding communities, a library, recreational area, crèche etc. Blue Skies has a Staff Association which represents 80% of total staff. There is regular on the job training for staff on health and safety, hygiene, social policies and job role related issues. The lowest wage paid at Blue Skies corresponds to almost double the Ghanaian minimum wage.•	Innovation/Transfer of knowledgeAlthough desserts are produced in Ghana, it is mostly dairy based (e.g. Fan milk ice creams). Other local companies (such as Arleccino and Pinocchio’s) are ice saloons and as such produce a limited amount of both dairy based and water based (sorbet) ice cream. There is no production of fruit based confectionary and desserts in Ghana.•	Chain effectsFarmers receive training in Good Agricultural Practises, Fair Trade and LEAF and will be assisted in propagation and cultivation of new fruit species, the use of compost and in production and financial planning. As part of its CSR strategy, suppliers have contracts that guarantee fair prices for their products, allowing them to make a better than average living.Approximately 25 street vendors will find employment.The products that Blue Skies are selling consist of natural ingredients, mostly pure fruits. The fruit based confectionary and desserts will be sweetened not with sugar but with agave and sugarcane. This product will be healthier than the current desserts available on the market.•	Impact on the sectorThe project will demonstrate that dessert producers can use fresh fruit (instead of pasteurized concentrates) to produce high quality products. This may lead to similar initiatives, bringing agricultural processing to a higher level.Creating more demand for fruit will benefit all stakeholders and incite farmers to increase and diversify their production.•	EnvironmentThe project will contribute to technologies that reduce waste and carbon dioxide emissions:- All cooling will be done using energy friendly compressors and gasses.- Waste water will be treated.•	Position of womenIn 2013 Blue Skies employs about 50% female managers and more than 80% of its people are female. The company thus already provides employment opportunities for women and is expected to continue doing this in the future. A strict equal opportunity policy will be used to hire staff.•	Impact on food safetyFruit based confectionary and desserts will be more easily available on the local market. This can provide an incentive to fruit growers to expand, improve and diversify their production and thereby contributing to the country’s food security. To set up a fully certified production department for fruit based confectionary and desserts made from locally sourced freshly squeezed coconut cream and fruits for the local and export market.