Del Monte says it contributes US$800Million yearly to Kenya’s economy

Del Monte Kenya Ltd. published its 60-Year Impact Report, detailing over KES 100 billion (US$800 million) in contribution to Kenya’s GDP and the support of nearly 20,000 jobs annually, based on two decades of measurable data (2004–2024).

The company’s socio-economic footprint assessment, independently prepared by Lotus Consulting Limited, also detailed a broad programme of community, environmental, and workforce investment across Kiambu, Murang’a and Machakos Counties.

“This report reinforces our role as a key contributor to Kenya’s agricultural sector and broader economy. We support an average of 19,820 jobs annually, making us one of the top employers in the agriculture sector.

 

The KES 100 billion plus contribution to GDP over the past two decades, averages 0.16% of national GDP annually and 1.5% of the agricultural sector. These are not just numbers – they represent livelihoods, communities, and long-term partnerships that contribute to our success,” Managing Director Wayne Cook.

Del Monte Kenya, a subsidiary of Fresh Del Monte Produce Inc., is Kenya’s largest producer, processor, and exporter of pineapple products and fruit juice beverages. The company continues to elevate Kenya’s export profile, recording US$101 million in export earnings in 2024. This represents approximately 85% of the company’s total production with the balance serving the domestic market.

At the community level, the company, over the last decade, has supported 13 schools serving over 12,000 learners. Its Women’s Health and Empowerment Programme has reached 11,860 women with reproductive health services – exceeding the company’s own target by nearly 20%.

Alongside its economic and social contributions, the company has also made significant strides in environmental sustainability.

Del Monte Kenya achieved a 91% reduction in water use per ton of pineapple since 2016 and planted 146,901 trees between 2016 and 2023.

The company attributes this success to a deliberate investment and commitment to innovative, sustainable and people-centric practices that benefit both its team members, the environment and surrounding communities.

“We are not just growing pineapples – we are growing a model for what responsible agribusiness can look like in Africa. The investments we are making here in Thika, from biofertilizers to sustainable water systems to circular production, are designed to show that agriculture can be a force for both environmental health and economic development,” said Cook.

Citing the ongoing investments, including the first-of-its-kind bio-fertilizer production facility and the recently commissioned 807kW solar installation, Del Monte Kenya has vowed to continue building smarter and more sustainably.

“What we celebrate today is not just 60 years of business, but 60 years of livelihoods, opportunity and trust. And that is what we intend to keep building for the next 60 years,” Cook added.