Del Monte Kenya has unveiled a $4 million (about KES515 million) pineapple frozen processing line and an 807kW solar power plant as the agribusiness firm steps up its export capacity while reducing its carbon footprint.

In an update on Tuesday, the Thika based firm said its Individually Quick Frozen (IQF) plant has the capacity to process 3.6 tonnes of pineapple per hour, giving it the flexibility to supply frozen fruit to industrial buyers in export markets of Europe and beyond.

The firm's new solar plant, which was developed in partnership with Berkeley Energy Corporate Solutions (BECS), a provider of energy and decarbonization solutions, is part of a bold plan to help reduce the company's dependence on the national grid, thereby lowering long-term energy costs and reducing emissions.

“These facilities signal our future as a catalyst for industrial growth, job creation and rural economic empowerment. Our investment will strengthen Kenya's agricultural value chain and boost export competitiveness, creating meaningful economic opportunities for local communities,” said Wayne Cook, Del Monte Kenya’s Managing Director.

Value-addition initiatives

Speaking during the commissioning, Principal Secretary, State Department for Investment Promotion, Ministry of Investments, Trade and Industry, Abubakar Hassan Abubakar, stated, "The frozen line and solar plant are exactly the value-addition initiatives that will reduce our reliance on raw exports and position local industries to thrive in global markets. We commend Del Monte Kenya for leading the way," he said.

The PS’s sentiments were echoed by Nicholas Tatrallyay, Managing Director, BECS. "The commissioning of the solar PV plant is a demonstration of BECS focus on providing energy as a service tailored to the specific needs of  an industrial partner like Del Monte Kenya. BECS designed, built, financed and now operates and maintains the solar facility. 

He added: "Del Monte Kenya's decision to partner with BECS sends a clear signal to the market: clean energy is a way for Kenyan industry to reduce cost, lower emissions and improve the reliability of energy supply. BECS is proud to support this journey and we see this as the beginning of a much longer and deeper partnership.”

Berkeley Energy Corporate Solutions (BECS) Data Engineer Ash Makrani monitors solar panels during the official launch of a 807kW solar farm and Individually Quick Frozen (IQF) line at Del Monte factory in Thika on 24th February 2026.

Jobs for young people

The company's projects have been welcomed by local communities in Kiambu and Murang'a counties, where Del Monte Kenya is one of the largest employers. Residents said they hoped the expanded processing capacity would translate into more stable jobs and greater economic activity in the surrounding areas.

 “These projects by Del Monte change everything for us. It means there will be more jobs for young people, more money in our pockets which will enable us to take better care of our families,” said Japheth Maingi, a long-term employee at the farm.

“We are proud to see such a big plant that runs on sunlight installed in our area. As Del Monte Kenya neighbours’, we look forward to reaping the benefits of cheaper, more reliable power," Gachanja, a resident in the area, explained.

These twin milestones coincide with Kenya’s push for renewable energy and a future with more value-added, export-oriented products — goals that are vital for national development.

The initiatives also align with the company’s broader sustainability commitments that support the country’s agenda to enhance food security, drive sustainable growth, and build local industries that can compete globally.

How pineapples are processed in new line

Del Monte Kenya's $4 million facility has the capacity to process 3.6 tons of pineapple per hour giving the company additional flexibility in raw material utilization. 

Fresh pineapple sourced from the plantations is prepared into pieces, chunks, tidbits or cubes at the canning lines, then goes through a sequence of process steps which include inspection, disinfection and dewatering before entering to the freezing unit. 

In the freezer, the product is conveyed in fluidized conveyor bed and each piece is frozen to below minus 18 degrees centigrade for quality preservation. 

The final IQF product is packed in polylined cartons and sold in bulk packaging for industrial use mainly in the export market.

All IQF line sort-outs are put back to the concentrate line thereby eliminating waste to land fill which further aligns with the firm's sustainability agenda to reduce food loss and waste to land fill.

The IQF plant is part of diversification strategy for DMKL to venture into processing of other fruits and vegetables in Kenya for the export market. 

It includes a mango processing line capable of handling both company-grown fruit and produce sourced from smallholder out growers, opening a new route to market for Kenyan farmers.

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