Del Monte Kenya reports US$800M GDP contribution over 20 years, tackles land disputes
The company recorded US$101 million in export earnings in 2024, with approximately 85% of total production exported.
KENYA – Del Monte Kenya has published its 60-Year Impact Report, detailing contributions of over KSh 100 billion (US$800 million) to GDP and the support of nearly 20,000 jobs annually for two decades, while addressing land disputes that have reduced available farmland.
Managing Director Wayne Cook explained the challenge. “As a large-scale agricultural producer, maintaining economies of scale is critical. Any reduction in available farmland, whether due to urbanization or policy decisions, has a direct impact on production volumes and operational viability.”
Additionally, he said that the company operates within government frameworks and is committed to responsible land use.
For large-scale agribusinesses, balancing land disputes with operational growth requires transparent engagement with governments and communities. Therefore, Del Monte has established grievance mechanisms for employees, contractors, and host communities to address concerns.
The company recorded US$101 million in export earnings in 2024, with approximately 85% of total production exported. In response to shifting consumer preferences towards healthier options, Del Monte has diversified beyond traditional tinned products into fresh and frozen product lines, including beverages and frozen fruit.
Del Monte Kenya is a subsidiary of Fresh Del Monte Produce Inc. and is the country’s largest producer, processor, and exporter of pineapple products and fruit juice beverages.
On sustainability, Del Monte Kenya has achieved a 91% reduction in water use per tonne of pineapple since 2016 and has planted 146,901 trees between 2016 and 2023. The company is also developing a first-of-its-kind bio-fertilizer production facility and recently commissioned an 807-kW solar installation.
Cook framed the company’s broader mission. “We are not just growing pineapples – we are growing a model for responsible agribusiness 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.”
Every shilling of direct value the company creates generates an additional 59 cents across the wider economy, and each direct job supports approximately two additional jobs, thereby affecting an estimated 79,200 livelihoods.
Moreover, Del Monte has supported 13 schools serving more than 12,000 learners and has reached 11,860 women with reproductive health services.
Lastly, the company aligns its operations with the Sustainable Development Goals and publishes sustainability reports every two years to enhance transparency.
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