Del Monte Kenya invests US$4M in new IQF line, solar plant
New IQF and solar investments strengthen export capacity and energy reliability.
KENYA – Del Monte Kenya has expanded its production capabilities with the inauguration of a new Individually Quick Frozen (IQF) processing line valued at Kes 515 million (US$4 million), reinforcing its strategy to optimize raw material utilization and diversify its product portfolio.
The IQF line has been installed within the company’s existing pineapple canning infrastructure and is designed to enhance flexibility in processing and exports.
According to the firm, the investment also includes an 807kW solar power plant aimed at lowering energy costs and reducing carbon emissions.
The new IQF plant forms part of Del Monte Kenya’s broader diversification strategy, enabling the company to process additional fruits and vegetables beyond pineapple.
The facility includes a mango processing line capable of handling both company-grown fruit and produce sourced from smallholder outgrowers, creating an expanded market opportunity for Kenyan farmers.
Speaking during the commissioning ceremony, Principal Secretary in the State Department for Investment Promotion at the Ministry of Investments, Trade and Industry, Abubakar Hassan Abubakar, described the project as a significant example of domestic investment in value addition.
“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.
Del Monte Kenya Managing Director, Wayne Cook, stated that the IQF processing line can handle 3.6 tonnes of pineapple per hour, providing the company with the flexibility to supply frozen fruit to industrial buyers in Europe and other international markets.
“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,” Cook said.
The IQF processing line is capable of freezing individual pieces of prepared pineapple to temperatures below -18°C.
The company noted that this technology helps preserve product quality across extended supply chains while reducing post-harvest losses that have historically constrained Kenya’s agricultural export potential.
The solar power plant was developed in partnership with Berkeley Energy Corporate Solutions (BECS). The company stated that the facility is expected to reduce dependence on the national grid, improve energy reliability, and lower long-term operational costs.
“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,” said Nicholas Tatrallyay, Managing Director of BECS.
“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,” he added.
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