Fresh Del Monte expands Kenya operations with new freezing plant and solar project

KENYA – Fresh Del Monte Produce Inc. has opened a new quick freezing facility and installed a solar plant at its Kenya operations, moves the company says will improve how it uses raw materials and support more stable energy supply.

The company shared the updates as part of a wider plan to expand processing activities at its pineapple operations in Kenya. The new Individually Quick Frozen facility sits within the firm’s existing pineapple canning complex.

The IQF plant allows the company to process fruits and vegetables that previously did not enter its main product lines. The facility includes a mango processing line that can handle fruit grown by the company as well as mangoes sourced from smallholder farmers.

Company representatives say this setup creates a new sales route for growers who supply fruit to the factory.

“The IQF plant is a key part of this diversification strategy. It will allow us venture into processing other fruits and vegetables,” the company said in a statement.

The firm added that the mango line can receive produce from contracted farmers. “The mango processing line can handle both company grown fruit and produce sourced from smallholder outgrowers, opening a new route to market for Kenyan farmers,” the statement said.

The freezing system also helps the company use fruit that may not meet canning standards but still meets quality requirements for frozen products.

Solar plant supports energy supply

Fresh Del Monte has also started an 807 kilowatt solar plant at the same site. The company says the system will supply electricity to the facility and reduce reliance on grid supply.

Managers noted that electricity supply from the main grid can change from time to time. The solar system will therefore help maintain steady operations while lowering emissions linked to electricity use.

“The mains electricity supply can be limited and unpredictable, so this solar plant will enable us to use Kenya’s abundant sunshine to run our operations more efficiently while lowering our carbon footprint,” the company said.

Financial results show stronger year

The developments in Kenya follow a stronger financial year for the company. Fresh Del Monte reported net sales of US$1,019.5 million in the fourth quarter of 2025, up from US$1,013.2 million a year earlier. Gross profit reached US$106.0 million, while gross margin rose to 10.4 percent.

For the full year, net sales reached US$4,322.3 million compared with US$4,280.2 million in 2024.

Chairman and chief executive officer Mohammad Abu-Ghazaleh said steady demand and close attention to pricing supported the results.

“Fiscal 2025 reflected solid execution across the business, supported by pricing discipline, continued demand for our core categories, and a strong focus on cash flow,” he said.

He added that the company ended the year in a stronger financial position. “We closed the year with improved financial flexibility, reduced debt, and continued investment in our operations to support long term performance,” Abu-Ghazaleh said.

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