Social impact
We are on a journey to introduce fonio to European consumers while setting fair and durable partnerships with west african farmer communities
Our story
The idea of IBÉMI flourished on a trip to Togo back in 2018.
The two brothers Mathieu and Nico brought Tim and Leny down the road of their family heritage along the luxurious trails surrounding Kpalimé, west of Togo's plateaux region.
How we discovered fonio
We were once served a dish made of fluffy grains and a green cassava leaves sauce. What first came across as "a simple" couscous revealed a surprisingly intricate taste. We had just found out the chef’s (aka. Uncle) secret, Fonio!
Uncle passionately told us about the benefits of Fonio which is widely used in west Africa to feed both children and elderly people. We fell in love with the small grain, its superpowers and got inspired by other Fonio enthusiasts like chef Pierre Thiam.
Beyond it’s incredibly nutritive benefits, we are amazed by all fonio’s properties. It has proven to be a drought resistant and sustainable crop representing a real opportunity for Sahel countries to reach food self sufficiency. Through strong partnerships with local NGOs, we want to encourage farmers to grow more fonio.
Why we believe in fonio
Fonio’s potential for helping people with celiac disorders or diabetes whilst improving the lives of thousands of farmers in Sahel has been a revelation. Building a business model around Fonio whilst allowing a positive social and environmental footprint is what has motivated us, a group of friends to start the Ibémi Journey!
We are friends, we are a family, we are passionate! And we want to bring Fonio to those who dare fall in love with it!
Ibémi means “where are you?“ in Bambara.
We have found the fonio farmers, now they Have found you too!
Our teAm
Lény BENSAID
Mathieu FOURN
Nicolas FOURN
Timothée BADIN