Del Monte Kenya unveils a KES. 516 million frozen fruit processing line and solar power plant in Thika

Del Monte Kenya has commissioned a new frozen fruit processing line and an 800-kilowatt solar power plant at its Thika facility, marking a major milestone in the company’s value-addition and sustainability drive.

The dual investment, valued at approximately $4 million (about KES. 516 million), is aimed at modernising operations, reducing post-harvest losses and strengthening the company’s export capacity while embracing cleaner energy solutions.

At the heart of the expansion is the introduction of an Individually Quick Frozen (IQF) processing line for pineapples and other fruits. The state-of-the-art facility is designed to enhance product quality and output for both local and international markets. By freezing fruits individually at peak freshness, the IQF technology helps extend shelf life, preserve nutritional value, and support year-round supply to meet fluctuating global demand.

The new processing line is also expected to significantly reduce post-harvest losses, a long-standing challenge in the agricultural sector, while boosting the value of Del Monte’s fruit products in export markets.

In addition to the freezing facility, the company has installed an 800-kilowatt solar power plant developed in partnership with Berkeley Energy Corporate Solutions (BECS). The solar plant is intended to provide a reliable and cleaner source of energy for the Thika operations, reducing dependence on the national grid and lowering long-term electricity costs.

The shift to solar power is also aligned with Del Monte Kenya’s broader sustainability goals, particularly in reducing carbon emissions associated with its large-scale pineapple farming and processing activities.

The commissioning of the two projects represents a significant step in the company’s ongoing efforts to modernise its infrastructure and adopt environmentally responsible practices. The development follows earlier announcements in 2025 outlining plans to establish the freezing facility to curb fruit losses, as well as separate initiatives to integrate renewable energy into its operations.