SIPEF acquires Tiabam plantation, targets 70,000 tonnes of banana output
The acquisition positions SIPEF to benefit from growing European demand and to consolidate its role as a leading producer in the Ivorian market.
CÔTE D’IVOIRE – Belgian plantation group SIPEF has acquired Tiabam, a banana plantation in Côte d’Ivoire, through its local subsidiary Plantations J. Eglin, in a deal expected to close before the end of September.
Located in the Tiassalé area near SIPEF’s existing Akoudjé estate, Tiabam covers about 450 hectares, including 320 hectares currently under banana cultivation.
This proximity allows the company to consolidate operations and reduce procurement, technical management, logistics, packaging, and export costs.
In addition, the plantation employs nearly 400 people and produces between 12,000 and 14,000 tons of bananas annually. More than 70% of that output is exported to Europe, while the remainder is sold in Africa and on the Ivorian market.
“SIPEF believes in the growth potential of bananas as an affordable, nutritious staple food with resilient consumer demand,” Managing Director Petra Meekers said. “This acquisition will strengthen our banana production base and allow the Group to selectively diversify alongside palm products.”
The Tiabam acquisition expands SIPEF’s banana business, one of the group’s main activities outside palm oil. Adding 320 hectares of producing plantations to the 1,238 hectares already operated by Plantations J. Eglin gives SIPEF six estates in the Lagunes region, mainly growing Cavendish Grande Naine variety for export markets.
In 2025, the group’s Ivorian operations produced 52,159 tons of bananas, up 2.2% from the previous year despite heavy rainfall and storms. Integration of Tiabam is expected to raise SIPEF’s annual production to nearly 70,000 tons, reflecting the acquired plantation’s output and higher production from recently developed areas at Akoudjé.
“By leveraging this opportunity to increase volumes, optimize efficiencies, and successfully integrate Tiabam and Plantations J. Eglin, we aim to grow our total banana production to approximately 70,000 tonnes,” Meekers added.
Meanwhile, Côte d’Ivoire’s banana industry, the country’s largest horticultural segment, has expanded substantially over the past decade. Sales reached CFAF 141.4 billion (US$250 million) in 2024, double the 2015 level, according to Ivorian customs data.
In 2025, Côte d’Ivoire shipped 271,000 tonnes of bananas, accounting for more than one-third of Africa’s total, according to the FAO.
Overall, the acquisition positions SIPEF to benefit from growing European demand and to consolidate its role as a leading producer in the Ivorian market.
Sign up HERE to receive our email newsletters with the latest news and insights from Africa and around the world, and follow us on our WhatsApp channel for updates.
