Communion wine and sobolo: A case for economic and religious integration (I)
Communion wine, also known as sacramental or altar wine, is specifically produced for use in religious ceremonies. The market for these wines is specialised, with various suppliers offering different types and price points. Recently, I had a discussion with a pastor who expressed concern about the exorbitant prices of foreign-imported communion wines for churches. In light of this, I advised that we explore local alternatives. One such alternative I propose is Sobolo.
Traditionally, communion wine is made from fermented grape juice, and it may or may not contain alcohol depending on the denomination or preferences. The basic ingredients are:
1. Grapes: Typically red or black grapes are used, as they are rich in natural sugars for fermentation.
2. Yeast: Natural or added yeast ferments the sugars in the grapes to produce alcohol (in alcoholic versions).
3. Water: Sometimes added for dilution in certain preparations.
4. Preservatives: Non-alcoholic versions may include mild preservatives to prevent spoilage. Some churches prefer non-alcoholic communion wine, which is essentially grape juice.
Health benefits of
communion wine
(moderate use)
1. Rich in Antioxidants:
o Red grape-based communion wine contains resveratrol, a powerful antioxidant that helps fight free radicals and reduces inflammation.
2. Cardiovascular Health:
o Moderate consumption of wine (specifically red wine) has been linked to improved heart health by increasing good cholesterol (HDL) and reducing bad cholesterol (LDL).
3. Digestive Aid:
o Grape juice or fermented wine can support digestion due to the presence of polyphenols.
4. Immune-Boosting Properties:
o The natural compounds in grapes, such as flavonoids, may strengthen the immune system.
5. Stress Relief:
o For alcoholic communion wine, small quantities can promote relaxation and reduce stress.
6. Natural Nutrients:
o Grape-based wines provide small amounts of vitamins (like Vitamin C) and minerals (like potassium).
Price range:
• 750ml Bottles: Prices typically range from $6 to $10 per bottle. For example, San Antonio Winery’s Sacramental Communion Red from California is priced at approximately $6 per 750ml bottle. Wine-Searcher
• Cases of 12 (750ml Bottles): A case of 12 bottles can cost between $75 and $90, depending on the wine’s type and producer. For instance, Cribari’s Light Muscat Sacramental Wine is available for $81.48 per case.
• Larger Volumes (3L to 4L): Larger containers, such as 3-liter or 4-liter jugs, are priced between $90 and $110. Mont La Salle offers a 4L Haut Sauterne Altar Wine for $94.50.
Suppliers:
• Church Supply Warehouse: Offers a variety of altar wines, including Mustum Sacramental Grape Juice (12 bottles of 750ml each) for $95.50 and Angelica Altar Wine by Mont La Salle for $104.50.
• Catholic Supply of St. Louis, Inc.: Provides a selection of altar wines, such as La Salle Altar Wine 4L Haut Sauterne priced at $94.50 and Mont La Salle Altar Wine 3L ranging from $102.50 to $110.50.
• F.C. Ziegler Company: Offers various sacramental wines, including Light Muscat Sacramental Wine (750ml) for $81.48 per case and Mustum 100% Grape Juice (non-alcoholic, 750ml) for $90.00 per case.
Why sobolo should
replace communion wine
1. Support for Local Agriculture
o Sobolo is made from locally grown hibiscus flowers, ginger, and other spices that are abundant in Ghana.
o This transition would increase demand for these crops, providing farmers with a stable market and boosting the agricultural sector.
o Regions like the Northern, Upper East, and Volta, where hibiscus grows well, would experience economic upliftment, reducing poverty in these areas.
2. Reduced Import Dependency
o Most communion wines used in Ghana are imported, requiring foreign currency. Switching to Sobolo would significantly reduce the country’s reliance on imports, saving millions in foreign exchange and strengthening the cedi.
o Ghana could redirect these savings into local industries, infrastructure, and agricultural development.
3. Job Creation and Industrial Growth
o A shift to Sobolo would stimulate local production, leading to the establishment of small- and medium-scale processing plants to produce standardised Sobolo for churches.
o This would create jobs across the value chain, from farming and processing to packaging, transportation, and sales.
4. Affordable Option for Churches
o Sobolo is cheaper to produce than communion wine. Churches, especially in rural areas, would find it more accessible, reducing their expenses and enabling them to redirect funds toward community development projects.
5. Global Export Potential
o Ghana could package Sobolo as a unique African sacramental drink for export to churches worldwide.
o Proper branding and certification would open up new markets, earning foreign exchange and boosting the economy.
6. Health and Social Benefits
o Sobolo is a non-alcoholic, nutritious drink, making it suitable for all church members, including children and abstainers.
o Its rich antioxidants promote good health, potentially reducing healthcare costs linked to alcohol-related illnesses.
7. Promoting Ghanaian Identity
o Using Sobolo in religious ceremonies aligns with Ghanaian traditions and showcases local ingenuity. This shift would reinforce cultural pride while demonstrating how indigenous resources can be leveraged for economic growth.
Economic boost for
Ghana
1. Agricultural Development
o Increased demand for hibiscus and related ingredients would lead to expansion in farming activities, increasing farmers’ incomes and reducing unemployment in rural areas.
2. Processing Industry Growth
o The need for large-scale Sobolo production would drive investment in food processing industries. This includes drying, extraction, and packaging of hibiscus flowers, creating new business opportunities.
3. Tax Revenue for the Government
o A formalised Sobolo industry would generate tax revenues from manufacturers, distributors, and exporters.
4. Empowering Local Entrepreneurs
o Many women in Ghana are involved in producing and selling Sobolo. Institutionalising its use as a communion drink would empower these entrepreneurs, contributing to economic inclusion and gender equality.
5. Foreign Exchange Savings and Earnings
o Sobolo as a substitute for imported wine could save Ghana millions in foreign exchange annually. Additionally, exports of Sobolo to African and global churches could earn substantial foreign currency.
6. Tourism and Branding Opportunities
o Ghana could market Sobolo globally as a cultural symbol, attracting tourists and investors interested in local beverages.
To be continued…
BY PROF. RAPHAEL NYARKOTEY OBU
