A cashew nut may be small, but in the hands of Ghana’s JGrand Commodities it’s a powerful engine for local empowerment, innovation, and global expansion.
The idea started modestly: just one shelf on a father’s porch. But for Justice Ganaku, that tiny beginning sparked a much bigger vision. After completing Ghana’s national service and holding degrees in mechanical engineering and business, Ganaku felt the pull toward creating something more meaningful — rooted in the local economy, yet globally competitive.
That vision crystallized into JGrand Commodities, now the parent company of Juki Nuts, a brand that adds flair, flavor, and value to the humble cashew. To bring the company to the next level, Ganaku joined the Master of Business Creation (MBC) Global program at the University of Utah’s David Eccles School of Business. The MBC program offers founder-focused mentorship, real-time application of business fundamentals, and a supportive network of advisors and entrepreneurs.
“The MBC program really opened my network and helped me understand how to use data to drive the business,” Ganaku said. “Program director Jeff Davis from MBC is amazing — he pushed me to think more strategically, which has made a huge difference.”
Juki Nuts isn’t just another snack brand — it’s an experience. With bold packaging, locally inspired flavors, and a direct link to Ghanaian farmers, the company brings authenticity and quality to every pack. Current offerings include sea salt roasted, unsalted, and chili roasted cashews. They are made in-house, roasted to perfection, and packaged with care using durable, noncarcinogenic materials.
Juki Nuts adds flair, flavor, and value to the humble cashew.
But it’s more than taste. Cashews are known for their nutritional benefits — rich in healthy fats, protein, and fiber. They also help reduce sugar cravings, making them an ideal snack for healthconscious consumers.
“We wanted to make something that was delicious, healthy, and truly ours,” said Ganaku. “People are starting to realize that cashews from Ghana are not just raw materials — they can be the brand, too.”
JGrand Commodities employs a growing team of ten and distributes through over 65 retail outlets. They’re currently preparing to scale into a larger facility. Perhaps the most exciting development? Their upcoming product launch on Amazon and Walmart, two of the world’s most influential e-commerce platforms.
“Launching on Amazon and Walmart is about more than sales,” Ganaku said. “It’s about showing that African brands can lead on quality, innovation, and purpose.”
By sourcing directly from smallholder farmers in Ghana’s Bono region, the company ensures product traceability, supports sustainable farming and keeps more of the economic value within the country.
In the next five years, JGrand Commodities aims to empower at least 200 people across the cashew supply chain — from farming and roasting to packaging and logistics. Their long-term mission is clear: to reposition Ghana not just as a producer of raw cashews, but as a global leader in premium roasted nut products.
“I want Ghana to be known for producing the best-roasted cashews in the world,” Ganaku shared. “And I want the people behind the scenes — our farmers, our roasters — to feel proud of what they’ve built.”
With a clear brand identity, supportive programs like MBC, and a loyal base of customers both in Ghana and abroad, JGrand Commodities is proving that real value can — and should — start at the source.
Learn more about JGrand Commodities here or follow them on Instagram @jukinuts.
Cashews are rich in healthy fats, protein, and fiber.
