#Kerry #Rwanda #Taste Solutions #Kigali

Kerry Expands in East Africa: A New Manufacturing Hub in Rwanda

In a significant move to bolster its presence in East Africa, Kerry, a renowned leader in taste and nutrition, has inaugurated a new taste manufacturing facility in Rwanda. This strategic expansion aims to support local food and beverage manufacturers while affirming Kerry's commitment to the growing African market. The new facility, based in the capital city of Kigali, will provide essential services, high-quality ingredients, and technical expertise tailored to the unique needs of the local food industry.

Kerry's decision to invest in Rwanda is a testament to the company's confidence in Africa's future within the global food sector. This development is part of a larger strategy that includes a €1 billion investment in emerging markets, designed to accelerate growth and ensure sustainability across the food industry. Significant dignitaries, including representatives from the Rwanda Food and Drugs Authority, local universities, and other esteemed guests, attended the opening ceremony, marking a collaborative effort to drive innovation in the region.

The Kigali facility is crucial as it increases Kerry's capacity to serve the local market, which has been experiencing remarkable growth. With its strategic position in East Africa, the facility will enable Kerry to deliver sustainable and authentic taste solutions that align with local preferences. This aligns perfectly with Kerry's overarching business strategy of locating manufacturing and research and development facilities closer to high-growth markets, thus fostering stronger local partnerships and collaborations.

Kerry has been actively involved in East Africa since 2018 when the company opened a technology and innovation center in Kenya. Driven by a commitment to enhance local capabilities, Kerry has expanded its operations by making acquisitions and investments across the continent. Currently, Kerry's manufacturing footprint in Africa spans seven locations across countries such as Rwanda, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Cameroon, South Africa, and Nigeria.

Jad Neaime, the General Manager of Kerry Africa, emphasized the significance of this new facility, stating, “The establishment of this facility in Rwanda marks a significant step towards realizing our vision to bring delicious and nutritious products, produced with world-class quality, to millions of African consumers.” He further noted that as the only global taste and nutrition solutions company operational in East Africa, Kerry is dedicated to helping its customers tackle unique challenges while fostering their business growth through innovative technologies and an extensive global network.

Sustainability remains a core principle for Kerry, and this facility is designed in accordance with that ethos. Notably, it features a zero-waste policy to landfill and utilizes 100% utility equipment adhering to the latest energy efficiency standards, along with a fit-for-purpose wastewater treatment system. These initiatives reinforce Kerry's commitment to environmental sustainability while supporting the community.

The growth of Rwanda's economy, driven by a vibrant food processing industry, further strengthens the relevance of creating local production capabilities. By producing in Rwanda, Kerry is enhancing its localization strategies and becoming more in tune with its customers' needs. This involves building local partnerships, increasing local sourcing options, and creating employment opportunities for local talent, which facilitates growth in the communities where it operates.

With the opening of this facility, Kerry aims not only to enhance its product offerings but to significantly contribute to the development of the local food and beverage sector, emphasizing quality, sustainability, and community engagement—a model that could pave the way for future investments across the continent.