Del Monte Kenya unveils new frozen facility to boost output

The $4 million (approximately KES515 million) Individually Quick Frozen (IQF) processing line sits on their existing canning infrastructure and can process 3.6 tonnes of pineapple per hour, giving Del Monte Kenya the flexibility to supply frozen fruit to industrial buyers in Europe and beyond.

By freezing individual pieces of prepared pineapple to below -18°C, the technology preserves quality across longer supply chains while reducing the post-harvest losses that have long constrained Kenya’s agricultural export potential.

 

“These facilities signal our future as a catalyst for industrial growth, job creation and rural economic empowerment. Our investment will strengthen Kenya’s agricultural value chain and boost export competitiveness, creating meaningful economic opportunities for local communities,” said Wayne Cook, Del Monte Kenya’s Managing Director.

The solar plant, developed in partnership with Berkeley Energy Corporate Solutions (BECS), a provider of energy and decarbonization solutions, will reduce the company’s dependence on an often-unreliable national grid, lower long-term energy costs, and reduce carbon emissions.

For a facility where electricity demand fluctuates with the agricultural season, on-site generation is both practical and strategic.

Speaking during the commissioning, Principal Secretary, State Department for Investment Promotion, Ministry of Investments, Trade and Industry, Abubakar Hassan Abubakar, welcomed the announcement as an example of the kind of domestic investment Kenya needs.

“The frozen line and solar plant are exactly the value-addition initiatives that will reduce our reliance on raw exports and position local industries to thrive in global markets. We commend Del Monte Kenya for leading the way,” he said.

The PS’s sentiments were echoed by Nicholas Tatrallyay, Managing Director, BECS.

“The commissioning of the solar PV plant is a demonstration of BECS focus on providing energy as a service tailored to the specific needs of  an industrial partner like Del Monte Kenya. BECS designed, built, financed and now operates and maintains the solar facility.

 

Del Monte Kenya’s decision to partner with BECS sends a clear signal to the market: clean energy is a way for Kenyan industry to reduce cost, lower emissions and improve the reliability of energy supply. BECS is proud to support this journey and we see this as the beginning of a much longer and deeper partnership.”

The projects have been welcomed by local communities in Kiambu and Murang’a counties, where Del Monte Kenya is one of the largest employers. Residents said they hoped the expanded processing capacity would translate into more stable jobs and greater economic activity in the surrounding areas.

 “These projects by Del Monte change everything for us. It means there will be more jobs for young people, more money in our pockets which will enable us to take better care of our families,” said Japheth Maingi, a long-term employee at the farm.

 

Gachanja, an area resident, reflected on the value of clean energy: “We are proud to see such a big plant that runs on sunlight installed in our area. As Del Monte Kenya neighbours’, we look forward to reaping the benefits of cheaper, more reliable power.”

These twin milestones coincide with Kenya’s push for renewable energy and a future with more value-added, export-oriented products — goals that are vital for national development.