Exhibiting at International Food & Drink Event (IFE) 2025

Biosène SARL is a Senegalese agro-processing company recognized for its commitment to promoting traditional African cereals, herbs, and natural food products. Headquartered in Dakar, Senegal, the company has positioned itself as a socially responsible and innovation-driven enterprise that adds value to indigenous crops while supporting local agricultural communities.

Company Background

Founded in 2007, Biosène was established with the mission to valorize African bio-resources and provide healthy, natural, and culturally rooted food products for both local and international markets. The company has steadily evolved into one of Senegal's most respected agro-industrial players, actively promoting food sovereignty and rural development.

Under the leadership of Salamba Diene, Biosène has created a significant impact in the value chain of traditional crops such as fonio, baobab, and moringa, integrating sustainability and inclusive economic growth into its operational model.

Core Business and Product Offerings

Biosène’s product portfolio spans four main categories, catering to the growing demand for healthy, gluten-free, and nutrient-rich foods:

1. Céréales (Traditional African Grains)

• Fonio (Whole & Pre-cooked)
• Farine de Niébé (Cowpea Flour)
• Thiéré Lalo (Millet Couscous with Lalo)
• Sankhal (Broken Millet)
• Arraw (Steamed Millet Grains)
• Thiakry (Sweet Millet Couscous)

2. Herbes & Épices (Herbs & Spices)

• Poudre de Gingembre
• Poudre de Lalo (Okra Powder)
• Poudre de Gombo
• Poudre de Moringa

3. Fruits de Baobab (Baobab-based Products)

• Poudre de Baobab (Baobab Fruit Powder)
• Maad Caramélisé (Caramelized Wild Fruit)

4. Cosmétiques (Natural Cosmetics)

• Karité Pur (Pure Shea Butter)

These products are marketed under the company’s flagship brands: Label Afrik and Rafet Kaar, with packaging suited for both local retail and international export standards.

Production Facilities and Capacity

In 2021, Biosène inaugurated a new agro-industrial processing plant in Bambilor, enhancing its production capacity and operational efficiency. This modern facility includes:

• Grain cleaning and drying units
• Milling and sieving lines
• Packaging and labeling stations
• Cold storage for sensitive materials

The factory complies with international food safety standards and is geared towards meeting both domestic market demands and export regulations.

Processing Capacity Estimates:

• Fonio: Up to 2 tons/day
• Moringa/Ginger Powder: ~500 kg/day
• Shea Butter: ~250 kg/day

Export and Shipment Insights

Biosène exports its products to several international markets, particularly within the African diaspora. Countries include:

• France
• Belgium
• Canada
• United States
• Ivory Coast

Shipment records sourced from trade directories suggest over 250 international shipments of cereals and powders over the last three years, mainly through bulk containers and retail-ready packaging.

Target Market

Biosène targets:

• Health-conscious consumers
• Gluten-free and vegan product retailers
• Ethnic food distributors in Europe and North America
• Pharmacies and wellness stores for its superfood powders
• Local cooperatives and women-led food entrepreneurs in Senegal

Their packaging is tailored for both B2B (bulk sales) and B2C (retail pouches) distribution channels.

Certifications and Compliance

Biosène adheres to several national and regional quality benchmarks:

• Senegalese Food Safety Authority (ASNS) Registration
• HACCP Implementation at Processing Site
• Products comply with EU import regulations for organic and natural foods
• Engagement in certification processes for Ecocert Organic and Fair Trade

The company is also a strong advocate for AFR100 (African Forest Landscape Restoration Initiative) through its work with baobab and moringa—both important agroforestry crops.

Sustainability and Community Impact

Biosène operates with a strong social mission. The company sources raw materials from over 1,000 smallholder farmers, mostly women, across Senegalese rural areas. It provides:

• Fair trade pricing
• Technical training in organic farming
• Pre-financing of raw materials
• Inclusion of women in leadership and processing roles

Biosène’s processing and packaging operations create formal employment for over 80 people, of which 70% are women.

Strategic Vision and Development

Biosène aims to become a regional leader in African heritage food exports. Current strategic initiatives include:

• Expanding exports to the USA and GCC countries
• E-commerce development through platforms like Jumia Senegal and international organic marketplaces
• Developing certified organic product lines to capture the European health food segment
• Participating in international trade shows such as Biofach, SIAL Paris, and Gulfood

Media and Recognition

The inauguration of the Bambilor facility in 2021 received national media attention and was featured in:

• RTS (Radio Télévision Sénégalaise)
• YouTube coverage by local business development platforms

Watch: Cérémonie d'inauguration Nouvelle usine de Biosene à Bambilor

Biosène is increasingly cited as a model enterprise by Senegalese agribusiness development organizations and NGOs focused on women’s economic empowerment.

Conclusion

Biosène SARL represents a powerful convergence of tradition, innovation, and impact. By leveraging indigenous knowledge, modern processing technologies, and inclusive sourcing, the company is redefining the future of African food exports. With a growing international footprint and a strong commitment to community-based development, Biosène is well-positioned to be a global ambassador for West African superfoods and sustainable agriculture.