Blue Band blossoms into healthier plant-based spreads under new owner Upfield
Ask anyone off the street in Nairobi and they’ll tell you that Blue Band is a household name not only in Kenya but across East Africa since the 1950s.
The ubiquitous presence of the brand – from upstreet malls to kiosks deep in the villages – points to the trust that generations and families accord it. Quite often, it is a constant part of their daily meals.
Blue Band is now evolving, especially under its current owner, Upfield, to satisfy the changing needs of consumers better while impacting the local community and economy positively.
Global company Upfield is the number one producer of Plant-based spreads and cheese with over 100 brands under its stable, including iconic Flora, Rama, Proactive, Becel Country Crock, Violife and African Jewel, and Blue Band.
With a market presence in over 95 countries and 15 manufacturing sites throughout the world, including Kenya, Upfield says it now focused on delivering healthier, plant-based products that are great tasting with superior quality.
Blue Band contains healthy unsaturated fats, which are necessary for the growth and development of children, essential fats Omega 3 and 6, which the body needs but cannot produce by itself.
It is also a good source of Vitamins A, B1, B2, D, E, and Niacin, which deliver essential nutrients for one’s growth.
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The Blue Band social mission works to make a nutritious breakfast on everyday reality for school-aged children in Africa and beyond, since eating a healthy breakfast is linked to better performance, especially strengthening memory and ability to remain attentive.
Speaking with media from Kenya, Uganda, and Zambia who toured the company’s Nairobi factory, Upfield Managing Director, East and Southern Africa, Peter Muchiri said “We are committed to producing food products that consumers enjoy while preserving the planet’s resources and reducing our climate impact. Improving the communities and economies of the countries where we operate is also an important part of our strategy.”
He added that “our footprint across East African continues to grow daily due to this strategy as we innovate quickly to respond to consumer demands for quality, nutritious and great tasting food products.”
Blue Band’s advocacy campaign for healthy breakfast is being driven with key stakeholders, in schools and online, and is making a real difference in children’s lives in Kenya and across the continent.
According to the World Health Organization, more people are shifting towards plant-based diets for reasons relating to health as well as ethical concerns and considerations about climate and animal welfare.
In East Africa, Upfield is innovating and recently expanded its portfolio to include Blue Band Peanut Butter, Blue Band instant Porridge and Flora chilled spread.
The company is also investing heavily in the local sourcing of ingredients as it strives to improve the communities where it operates.
So far, the project has impacted over 700 commercial and smallholder farmers, ensuring sustainable revenue for them while impacting the Kenyan economy.
