Mars Wrigley expands sugar-free gum production in Athi River
Mars Wrigley Kenya is expanding sugar-free gum production at its Athi River plant, strengthening exports across Africa and the Middle East while planning further investments to scale manufacturing capacity.
KENYA – Mars Wrigley Kenya, part of Mars, Incorporated, has ramped up production of sugar-free gum at its manufacturing facility in Athi River, strengthening exports to markets across Africa and the Middle East.
The company said the plant, which serves as its only sugar-free gum manufacturing site in Africa, has become a strategic export hub following the launch of a dedicated production line in November 2025.
Exports from the Athi River facility are currently reaching several regional and international markets, including Uganda, Tanzania, Egypt, Saudi Arabia and Iraq.
The company is also planning to expand shipments into additional destinations such as Libya, United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman, Lebanon, Rwanda, South Africa, Burundi and Nigeria.
According to the company, export value from the Athi River site has increased from 45 percent to 55 percent and is expected to reach 61 percent this year as the company enters new international markets.
Sugar-free gum exports now account for approximately 90 percent of total output from the facility.
Mars Wrigley has invested more than US$70 million in its Kenyan operations and plans to inject an additional US$33 million over the next three years to support further expansion.
“By growing exports from our Athi River site, we’re demonstrating what Kenyan manufacturing can achieve at global standards,” said Mars Wrigley Kenya Plant Director Mustaffa Bin Kamaludin.
“This expansion reflects rising demand for sugar-free gum and our commitment to serving customers across Sub-Saharan Africa and the Middle East with high-quality products made in Kenya.”
The Athi River facility is currently producing an export portfolio that includes sugar-free individually wrapped tab gum in Peppermint and Mixed Fruit variants.
The company also plans to introduce additional sugar-free 10-pellet pack variants in the near future.
Mars Wrigley reiterated its long-term commitment to Kenya, noting that the Athi River manufacturing site remains central to its regional growth strategy.
The company currently supports more than 3,500 direct and indirect jobs in Kenya and continues to invest in capabilities aimed at strengthening export competitiveness and supporting production growth.
The planned US$33 million investment will support equipment upgrades, new production lines, expanded packaging capacity, warehouse development, automation and sustainability initiatives at the facility.
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