Ghana - Startup under 3 years old

Describe your project or startup in a few words

DeliMush is an agristartup into the processing of mushrooms into ready-to-eat meals in cans, sachets and biscuits to reduce its perishability and increase the yield of the smallholder farmers.

01.01 Describe your startup in more detail

Delimush is a company dedicated to reducing food waste and helping smallholder mushroom farmers. We process mushrooms into ready-to-meals in cans, sachets with sauces in varieties of flavours and biscuits as well made from powdered mushrooms.To preserve the mushrooms we wash it with vinegar first which increases the acidity of the fungi(mushrooms) and also serve as a form of resistance against microbial activities, after sautéing it, it is added to the can with sauce to make it more tasty and also serve as a barrier against oxygen entry, and finally we autoclave it which uses steam to make sure our products stay safe and nutritious for a long time. Each package has a QR code that customers can scan to learn about how the mushrooms were grown and processed. This builds trust and shows our commitment to sustainability. Our goal is to reduce the seasonality and perishability of mushrooms by prolonging its shelf life and increase the yield of smallholder farmers.

01.02 What is the main problem you are trying to solve?

Delimush addresses the problem of mushroom perishability and seasonality of mushroom in Ghana. Mushrooms are a highly perishable food item that can spoil quickly if not consumed or preserved promptly. This creates a challenge for farmers, who often see a significant portion of their harvest go to waste due to the lack of effective preservation methods. In Ghana, mushroom farming is seasonal, meaning there are times of the year when mushrooms are abundant and other times when they are scarce. During peak harvest periods, the surplus of mushrooms often exceeds the market demand, leading to significant post-harvest losses. This not only impacts the income of smallholder farmers but also contributes to food waste, which is a major environmental concern. Also, there is a growing demand for healthier, plant-based foods both in Ghana and globally hence DeliMush comes in not only to reduce post harvest losses of mushrooms but also make health-nutritious, sustainable food options available.

01.03 Tell us the major benefits and/or advantages of using the product/service that your startup provides (at least 3).

Using Delimush products offers several major benefits. Firstly, mushrooms are incredibly healthy. They are a rich source of plant-based protein, making them an excellent choice for vegans, vegetarians, and health-conscious individuals. Mushrooms are also packed with essential vitamins and minerals like B vitamins, selenium, potassium, and antioxidants, which support overall health and boost the immune system. One of the key advantages of our products is that it helps reduce food waste. By processing fresh mushrooms into long-lasting products such as canned goods, flavored sachets, and biscuits, we extend their shelf life and ensure they remain fresh and nutritious for longer periods. This not only helps to cut down on waste but also provides a reliable supply of mushrooms throughout the year, even during off-seasons. Moreover, our products are convenient and versatile. They can be easily incorporated into a variety of meals, making healthy eating more accessible and hassle-free.

01.04 Please describe who exactly your startup’s product/service is aimed at serving. Who are the targeted beneficiaries?

DeliMush Limited focuses on creating delicious, ready-to-eat meals using mushrooms to extend its shelf life and support smallholder farmers. Our target beneficiaries includes individuals who prioritize their dietary choices, such as vegans and vegetarians seeking nutritious options. For health-conscious consumers looking for convenient yet wholesome meals, our offerings provide a viable solution. Additionally, fitness enthusiasts who require quick and nourishing food options are among our key beneficiaries. Moreover, we identify vegan restaurants and hotels as pivotal partners in our market strategy. These establishments are constantly seeking innovative plant-based ingredients to meet the evolving demands of their clientele. By providing flavorful and versatile mushroom-based products, we cater to the needs of chefs and businesses aiming to diversify their menu offerings while adhering to ethical and sustainable principles.

01.05 When was your company established?

2023-12-07

01.06 Are you already selling your product/service?

Yes

01.07 How many other owners are there within your startup?

3

01.08 Among the other owners, how many are female?

2

01.09 Please describe the profile of the other owners within your startup (skills, experience, etc.)

Issah Tolhatu:With a catering and hospitality management background and three years experience in mushroom farming, Issah oversees DeliMush's production. She ensures quality and efficiency in the production processes. Abdul Wahab Ibrahim as the CFO, Abdul brings financial expertise to DeliMush. With a finance background, he manages the company's financial operations and guides strategic decisions for growth. Yakubu Abubakari as Marketing Lead: With two years of marketing experience in marketing, he drives our marketing efforts such as brand awareness, customer attraction, and sales growth through innovative strategies. Together, this team ensures DeliMush delivers quality products efficiently, manages finances effectively, and markets its brand successfully.

01.10 If you have a website, a social media page (Facebook, Instagram, Linkedin…), or app, please provide the link(s) here:

https://delimush.com/

01.11 Which industry best describes your project?

b) Materials (agriculture, fishing, chemical products, construction materials, containers and packaging, metals and mining, paper and forest products)

02.01.01 My startup contributes to the No poverty goal

5

02.01.02 No poverty - Justification for my startup

By reducing the perishability of mushrooms and increasing the yield of smallholder farmers, we will increase their income thereby contributing significantly to poverty reduction.

02.02.01 My startup contributes to the Zero hunger goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.02.02 Zero hunger - Justification for my startup

By reducing post harvest losses, we ensure food security, also another corporate social responsibility of DeliMush is to donate 1 can out of every five boxes sold to Bontanga nutrition center, a rural community in the Kumbungu district in the northern region of Ghana where kids are on the verge of death due to malnutrition so yes, it one of our core values to create a world where no child dies of hunger.

02.03.01 My startup contributes to the Good health and well-being goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.03.02 Good health and well-being - Justification for my startup

By offering nutritious, plant-based meals made from sustainably sourced mushrooms, our products promote healthy eating habits and supports overall well-being. Our products are rich in essential nutrients, low in calories and fat, and cater to individuals seeking to manage their weight and improve their dietary health.

02.04.01 My startup contributes to the Quality education goal

2

02.04.02 Quality education - Justification for my startup

02.05.01 My startup contributes to the Gender equality goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.05.02 Gender equality - Justification for my startup

Part of our core values is to bridge the gender gap and by so doing we have collaborated with women who are our smallholder farmers to source the mushrooms from them. Secondly our company policy is to ensure that 70% of our job roles goes to women, this will go a long way to ensure that more women are granted opportunities to be able to build their careers confidently.

02.06.01 My startup contributes to the Clean water and sanitation goal

3

02.06.02 Clean water and sanitation - Justification for my startup

02.07.01 My startup contributes to the Affordable and clean energy goal

2

02.07.02 Affordable and clean energy - Justification for my startup

02.08.01 My startup contributes to the Decent work and economic growth

6

02.08.02 Decent work and economic growth - Justification for my startup

DeliMush aim to provide a lot of job opportunities to young people to work productively and have a fulfilling career.

02.09.01 My startup contributes to the Industry innovation and infrastructure

3

02.09.02 Industry innovation and infrastructure - Justification for my startup

02.10.01 My startup contributes to the Reduced inequalities goal

4

02.10.02 Reduced inequalities - Justification for my startup

02.11.01 My startup contributes to the Sustainable cities and communities goal

3

02.11.02 Sustainable cities and communities - Justification for my startup

02.12.01 My startup contributes to the Responsible consumption and production goal

4

02.12.02 Responsible consumption and production - Justification for my startup

02.13.01 My startup contributes to the Climate action goal

6

02.13.02 Climate action - Justification for my startup

DeliMush aim to reduce the global problem of perishable food waste and carbon footprint by processing mushrooms to prolonge its shelf life.

02.14.01 My startup contributes to the Life below water goal

2

02.14.02 Life below water - Justification for my startup

02.15.01 My startup contributes to the Life on land goal

2

02.15.02 Life on land - Justification for my startup

02.16.01 My startup contributes to the Peace Justice and Strong Institutions goal

1 - Strongly Disagree

02.16.02 Peace Justice and Strong Institutions- Justification for my startup

02.17.01 My startup contributes to the Partnerships for the goal

4

02.17.02 Partnerships for the goal - Justification for my startup

06.01 There are a large number of customers who already use a product/service very similar to the product/service we envision creating.

5

06.02 The product/service represents an entirely new type of product/service.

7 - Strongly Agree

06.03 The product/service could be described as a new technology.

6

06.04 The product/service is an improvement on an existing product or service.

4

06.05 The product/service could be described as an extension of a range of products or services.

7 - Strongly Agree

06.06 The product/service responds to a demand or need that has not been satisfied by other products/services.

7 - Strongly Agree

06.07 The product/service is a new version of an old product/service.

2

06.08 Justification for my startup

Delimush distinguishes itself through its innovative approach to healthy eating, offering a seamless fusion of convenience and nutrition. At our core ,we leverage cutting-edge technology and advanced food science to deliver customized, nutritionally balanced meals that cater to individual dietary needs and preferences. This personalization ensures that every meal is tailored to support optimal health and well-being. The uniqueness of our product also lies in our commitment to using fresh, high-quality ingredients sourced from local farms and sustainable suppliers. This emphasis on sustainability not only promotes environmental responsibility but also guarantees the freshness and flavor of each meal. Moreover, Delimush’s culinary team consists of expert chefs and nutritionists who collaborate to create diverse, delicious recipes that do not compromise on taste while adhering to nutritional guidelines. Another standout feature is Delimush's user-friendly digital platform, which all

06.09 Competitive Analysis

Our main potential competitors are Aftrad Kitchen and Maganoba Farms. Aftrad Kitchen focuses on providing traditional African cuisine with an emphasis on fresh, locally-sourced ingredients. Maganoba Farms, on the other hand, is known for its high-quality farm produce, offering fresh fruits, vegetables, and meats directly from their farms. What sets us apart is our convenience and innovation in delivering ready-to-eat meals. While both Aftrad Kitchen and Maganoba Farms excel in offering fresh products, they do not provide the same level of convenience as our ready-to-eat meals. Our products are designed for mobility and are perfect for customers with busy lifestyles who still want to enjoy nutritious, locally-sourced food without the hassle of preparation. Additionally, our meals are curated by expert chefs and nutritionists, ensuring they are both delicious and nutritionally balanced. We also prioritize sustainability by sourcing our ingredients locally, reducing environmental

11.05 Are you initiating actions within your community to promote the role of female entrepreneurs?

Yes by encouraging more women to learn financial skills through an NGO I work with, these capacity building are geared towards making some more confident and be able to make better financial children in life.