Del Monte Kenya plans pineapple expansion and launches banana project

KENYA – Del Monte Kenya Ltd has announced plans to expand pineapple production in Kibwezi, Makueni County, and to begin banana production and processing activities in Tana River County, marking a fresh phase of growth for one of Kenya’s largest agribusiness players.

President William Ruto confirmed the plans after meeting the company’s board and management at State House in Nairobi. The delegation included Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Muhammad Abu Ghazaleh and Managing Director Wayne Harvey Cook.

“We welcome and appreciate investors who put their money in our country, and we assure them of all the support they need to set up, do business, and expand,” President Ruto said.

Del Monte Kenya plays a major role in the country’s export sector through its production of canned solid pineapple and juice concentrates. Canned pineapple stands as Kenya’s largest manufactured export, while the country ranks among the top five pineapple exporters worldwide. Industry observers often link this position to the scale of Del Monte Kenya’s operations.

The company owns about 10,000 acres of pineapple plantations, equal to roughly 4,047 hectares, and employs several thousand workers across its farms and processing facilities. Women form a large share of this workforce, especially in processing and packing roles.

The planned expansion in Kibwezi aims to raise output and support supply consistency for export markets. Government officials said the move aligns with broader efforts to support value addition and job creation in rural areas.

Banana production in Tana River

Alongside pineapple growth, Del Monte Kenya plans to start banana production and processing in Tana River County. The project will add a new crop line to the company’s Kenyan portfolio and extend its presence into another agricultural region.

The banana project will focus on both farming and processing, with expectations that it will support local employment and improve access to markets for surrounding communities. The government said it views the project as part of a wider push to spread agribusiness investment beyond traditional growing zones.

In previous years, workers and human rights groups raised concerns about working and living conditions at some of the company’s facilities. According to information shared during the meeting, Del Monte Kenya has taken steps to address parts of these concerns.

Government representatives said they will keep engaging investors to ensure that business growth matches labour standards and workplace safety rules. Officials stressed that expansion plans must go hand in hand with respect for workers’ rights.

The combined pineapple expansion and banana project will extend Del Monte Kenya’s footprint into additional regions, adding to its long standing agricultural base in the country. The government said it expects the investments to strengthen exports, support jobs, and reinforce Kenya’s position in global fruit markets.

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