Stanhope Nwachukwu Welcomes MP Taylor Bachrach to Ebeano, Canada’s Trailblazing Ponmo Plant

In the heart of British Columbia’s Bulkley Valley, an inspiring story of innovation and sustainability is unfolding. At the center of it is Stanhope Nwachukwu, founder and team lead of Ebeano Specialty Foods Inc., whose unique enterprise is transforming cow hides — once destined for landfills — into a culturally significant delicacy known as ponmo.

Recently, Member of Parliament Taylor Bachrach visited the Ebeano processing facility to witness this remarkable operation firsthand. What he found was more than just a food production site — it was a symbol of entrepreneurship, environmental stewardship, and cultural pride.

Each week, Ebeano Specialty Foods diverts approximately 30 cow hides from abattoirs in Telkwa and Prince George, giving them a second life as ponmo, a traditional dish beloved across West African and Caribbean communities. The process is both time-honored and carefully executed:

Ponmo, known for its rich texture and deep flavor, now has a growing fan base far beyond its cultural roots — thanks to Ebeano’s commitment to authenticity and quality.

A Win for the Climate

Ebeano’s mission goes beyond food — it’s also a bold step toward environmental sustainability. Cow hides discarded in landfills release methane, a greenhouse gas 84 times more potent than CO₂ in the short term. By repurposing these hides, Ebeano Specialty Foods prevented 543.29 metric tons of CO₂-equivalent emissions last year alone.

This initiative shows how businesses can lead climate action through innovation and waste reduction — while creating jobs and supporting immigrant communities.

A National First

Ebeano is now Canada’s only licensed ponmo producer — a milestone that sets a powerful precedent in the food industry. From humble beginnings to a growing national distribution network, the company is a proud example of how cultural foods can gain mainstream relevance while staying true to their origins.

A Message of Support

Following his tour of the facility, MP Taylor Bachrach shared his appreciation:

“Among the most exciting economic development opportunities are those that create jobs and revenue from resources that have been considered waste.

Ebeano Specialty Foods is now the only licensed producer of ponmo in Canada. Not only is this business diverting a waste product, it’s avoiding significant methane emissions that would occur if the hides entered the landfill.

Thanks for the tour, Stanhope, and best of luck as you grow your enterprise!”