Alliances of convenience: Political economy analysis of the interplay between local, regional and international actors in shaping the architecture of Ultra-Processed Food supply chains in Ghana

This research investigates the political economy of ultra-processed food (UPF) supply chains in Ghana, focusing on the interplay between local, regional and international actors and their impact on the food environment in Tamale, in the Northern region of the country. Ultra-processed foods are increasingly prevalent in the region, raising concerns about their effects on local agricultural economies, public health and nutrition.

Positioned within the Political Economy of the Food Industry (PEAFI) project, the research adopts a mixed-methods approach. It combines: 1) primary data analysis from qualitative interviews of key stakeholders, including informal vendors, distributors, warehouse managers, and producers ; with 2) secondary data analysis on key actors in the Food and Beverage sector in Ghana and their economic contribution. We aim to provide a preliminary profile of the main players in the UPF sector in Ghana alongside a map of the primary corporations involved in the supply chain. Qualitative findings will provide in-depth insights on the relations among actors and reveal the perspectives of the different stakeholders along the supply chain.

Preliminary findings indicate alliances of convenience between large international players alongside regional/national producers involved in the UPF sector. They are in competition with each other and practise varied strategies to target different demographic groups. At the same time however, they operate in synergy, for example by sharing production lines, to shape local food environments. The supply chain is composed of small, agile players that enable capillary food industry operations across diverse locations. These actors demonstrate a high level of connectivity and adaptability, with producers tailoring their variety of products to resonate with local preferences, informed by actors in direct contact with consumers. They also deploy targeted marketing strategies, including nutritional messaging aimed at children. Furthermore, producers exert considerable power over supply chain actors by leveraging capital access and creditworthiness to differentiate stakeholders.

The research concludes that the ultra-processed food supply chain in Ghana is characterized by alliances of convenience and the dynamic interaction between international corporations, regional producers and local actors. These actors target different consumer groups but often collaborate in production, adapting quickly to local demands. Producers exert significant influence over the supply chain, using strategies like capital control and demographic-targeted marketing, including nutrition-related messaging aimed at children (Clapp, 2016; Monteiro et al., 2016). The coexistence of small, agile players alongside larger corporations underscores the complex nature of corporate power in shaping local food systems.