Ghana-based Company Purchases 1,475 Bicycles for Staff

Posted: 01 Apr 2006

Related to: California Bike Project, Strengthening Bicycle and Rickshaw Industries, Ghana
Contributed by: Ernest Teye-Topey, ITDP

Golden Exotics Ltd. cites use of California Bike as a reliable, affordable way to shorten commute times for employees and improve punctuality.

Golden Exotics Ltd., a Ghana-based subsidiary of Compagne Fruitiere, a leading international producer of fresh fruit, has placed an order for 1,475 California Bikes, the largest single order of the bikes to date.  The sale is part of a purchase program in which Golden Exotics acquires the bikes for its employees who in turn pay for them through payroll deductions.  The sale was made based on a recommendation by Tropo Farms, another Ghanaian company that had also bought California Bikes on behalf of its employees through a similar program.

“This is evidence that the quality and reliability of bikes sold through the California Bike Coalition (CBC) is leading to an expansion of its customer base,” said Bradley Schroeder, CBC Director.

Sales opportunities like those involving Golden Exotics and Tropo Farms were identified and cultivated by Winfred Akakpo, one of the local independent bike retailers who are members of the CBC.

The purchase agreement was finalized following test rides of four sample California Bikes on Golden Exotics farms over a two-week period.

“Reliable bicycles enhance the mobility of our employees and improve their punctuality at work without adding a burden to their household expenses,” said Xavier Eiglier, purchase and logistics director for Golden Exotics Ltd.

The California Bike Coalition, an ITDP project, was established in 2003 and aims to make quality bicycles available to the African market, increase the sales and service capacity of its independent bike dealers, and link those dealers with international suppliers of quality bicycles, parts, and accessories.  The CBC has a network of more than 30 local bike dealers in Ghana, Senegal, South Africa and Tanzania.