Del Monte Kenya has moved to clarify its position on land use and historical disputes, acknowledging their impact on production while reaffirming its commitment to legal compliance, sustainability, and community engagement.
- •The company's leadership noted that portions of land previously under its operations have reverted to the government over time, a development that has affected output and overall market performance.
- •Del Monte Kenya Ltd. has published its 60-Year Impact Report, detailing over KSh 100 billion (US$800 million) in contribution to Kenya’s GDP and the support of nearly 20,000 jobs annually, based on two decades of measurable data (2004–2024).
- •Against a backdrop of shrinking disposable incomes, Del Monte acknowledged shifts in consumer demand, particularly in the domestic market and said it has responded with a balanced strategy that combines export strength with local market support.
“As a large-scale agricultural producer, maintaining economies of scale is critical. Any reduction in available farmland, whether due to urbanisation or policy decisions, has a direct impact on production volumes and operational viability,” said Managing Director Wayne Cook on the sidelines of release of the company’s 60-Year Impact Report.
The company said that it operates within government frameworks and is committed to responsible land use that supports both national development and local communities.
“We utilise land allocated by the government and ensure it is managed sustainably and productively, in line with legal and regulatory requirements,” he added.
Del Monte also said that it is aligning its operations and reporting with internationally recognised frameworks, including the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Its latest impact report reflects contributions across all 17 SDGs, covering climate action, poverty reduction, and social impact.
“We are a global organisation and are putting in place systems to align with the SDGs. Our impact report demonstrates how our operations contribute across all 17 goals,” the company said.
The firm publishes sustainability reports every two years to enhance transparency and accountability.
The company confirmed that its policies are aligned with the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, focusing on protecting, respecting, and remedying human rights concerns.
“We have established accessible grievance mechanisms for employees, contractors, and host communities to ensure concerns are addressed transparently and effectively,” the company stated.
Del Monte also highlighted its participation in global corporate responsibility initiatives and its commitment to diversity and inclusion, including implementation of Women’s Empowerment Principles.
Navigating Economic Pressures
“We have maintained affordability through promotions and improved efficiencies in production and sourcing, allowing us to manage costs while keeping products accessible,” the company said.
Del Monte is evolving its product mix in response to global trends favouring healthier and more convenient food options. The company has diversified beyond its traditional canned offerings into fresh and frozen product lines.
“Consumer preferences have shifted significantly. We have adapted by expanding into fresh and frozen products, supported by improved global logistics,” the company said.
New product innovations, including beverages and frozen fruit lines, are also being introduced as part of its long-term growth strategy.
The company's socio-economic footprint assessment, independently prepared by Lotus Consulting Limited, also detailed a broad programme of community, environmental, and workforce investment across Kiambu, Murang’a and Machakos Counties.
“This report reinforces our role as a key contributor to Kenya’s agricultural sector and broader economy. We support an average of 19,820 jobs annually, making us one of the top employers in the agriculture sector. The KSh 100 billion plus contribution to GDP over the past two decades, averages 0.16% of national GDP annually and 1.5% of the agricultural sector. These are not just numbers - they represent livelihoods, communities, and long-term partnerships that contribute to our success,” Wayne Cook said.
According to the report, every shilling of direct value the company creates generates an additional 59 cents across the wider economy. And each direct job also supports approximately two additional jobs, impacting an estimated 79,200 livelihoods.
Del Monte Kenya, a subsidiary of Fresh Del Monte Produce Inc., is Kenya's largest producer, processor, and exporter of pineapple products and fruit juice beverages. The company continues to elevate Kenya’s export profile, recording US$101 million in export earnings in 2024. This represents approximately 85% of the company's total production with the balance serving the domestic market.
At the community level, the company, over the last decade, has supported 13 schools serving over 12,000 learners. Its Women's Health and Empowerment Programme has reached 11,860 women with reproductive health services - exceeding the company’s own target by nearly 20%.
Alongside its economic and social contributions, the company has also made significant strides in environmental sustainability. Del Monte Kenya achieved a 91% reduction in water use per ton of pineapple since 2016 and planted 146,901 trees between 2016 and 2023.
The company attributes this success to a deliberate investment and commitment to innovative, sustainable and people-centric practices that benefit both its team members, the environment and surrounding communities.
"We are not just growing pineapples - we are growing a model for what responsible agribusiness can look like in Africa. The investments we are making here in Thika, from biofertilizers to sustainable water systems to circular production, are designed to show that agriculture can be a force for both environmental health and economic development," said Cook.
Citing the ongoing investments, including the first-of-its-kind bio-fertilizer production facility and the recently commissioned 807kW solar installation, Del Monte Kenya has vowed to continue building smarter and more sustainably.
