Del Monte Kenya expands fruit portfolio, transforms pineapple waste into biofertilizer

KENYA – Del Monte Kenya has transitioned from a single-commodity pineapple producer into a diversified agribusiness, introducing new fruit crops, converting agricultural waste into organic biofertilizers, and investing in environmental conservation across its 8,300-hectare Thika operation.

Del Monte has partnered with Vellsam Materias Bioactivas, a leading producer of biotechnological solutions, to maximize the use of pineapple residues. “Fresh Del Monte is committed to creating a circular economy and is taking active measures to repurpose and reuse its residues,” said Mohammad Abu-Ghazaleh, Fresh Del Monte’s Chairman and CEO.

The company transforms farm waste into biofertilizer at a dedicated facility, converting pineapple pulp into nutrient-rich soil enhancers. The plant, currently conducting tests and expected to be fully operational in June 2026, processes approximately 30,000 tonnes of pineapple by-product generated annually by the cannery.

Additionally, a US$4 million Individually Quick-Frozen processing line now handles 3.6 tonnes of pineapple per hour, enabling processing of additional fruits and vegetables beyond pineapple. The company also invested US$1 million in a new aluminium can line for energy drinks and carbonated beverages.

On the other hand, the key pillars of Del Monte’s agribusiness evolution include product diversification, waste-to-value conversion, environmental stewardship, and community investment.

For instance, the new fruit crops Del Monte Kenya is adding include mangoes and avocados. The company has invested in a mango processing line capable of handling both its own fruit and produce sourced from smallholder outgrowers, creating expanded market opportunities for Kenyan farmers.

As a result, the company’s shift from the high-acid Smooth Cayenne pineapple to the sweeter MD2 variety has opened new export markets in the Middle East, North Africa, and Europe.

The company’s water use per tonne of pineapple has fallen by more than 90% since 2016, and nearly all solid waste has been diverted from landfill disposal through recycling and reuse initiatives.

Moreover, Del Monte Kenya directly employs more than 7,700 people and supports an estimated 28,000 additional jobs across its supply chain. Community and stewardship programmes support business growth by fostering stable, engaged local partnerships.

This integrated model of production, processing, waste conversion, and community investment provides a replicable blueprint for agribusinesses across Africa seeking to balance profitability and sustainability.

Finally, the company’s 60-year evolution from a fruit-canning operation to a diversified agribusiness giant demonstrates that long-term success depends on adapting to market demands while upholding environmental and social responsibility.

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