From Thika to the world: Kenyan town spreading pineapple cheer to the world
A short drive from Thika town, bright yellow crowns of pineapples stand tall, neatly extending row after row above ground beyond the horizon. As we move around the expansive field, the smell of slow-maturing fruits under the warm African sun gives a refreshing fragrance as experienced hands move from one pineapple farm to another, hand-picking the best fruit for export.
Every pineapple is a jewel and symbol of plenty, representing the unique Kenyan taste found across European stores, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Oman, Saudi Arabia, and beyond. The journey of these market-ready pineapples in overseas markets begins with meticulous grading at the Del Monte Kenya modern fruit pack house.
At this facility, thousands of tonnes of fruits are assessed daily based on size, shape, maturity, and their state of flawlessness. They are only picked if they have superior quality to meet the standards of millions of consumers in the target markets where they end up.
After grading, each pineapple is placed meticulously in well-marked boxes. These boxes are further arranged in strong packages and cushioned by a firm lining that protects them from the bumps and shakes of global shipment and transportation. A team of hundreds of employees, working in shifts, ensure that every pineapple reaches its destination as perfectly as it was when it left Del Monte Kenya in Thika.
For this long journey overseas, the pineapples are maintained at a steady temperature to preserve their freshness. This cool embrace, whether through sea or air freight, helps to keep the fruits in suspended ripeness during shipment.
From Del Monte’s Thika factory, tonnes of pineapples heading to faraway markets every month pass through the hands of over 6,500 employees in various stages in the processing chain. These employees have perfected their tasks, consistently delivering the golden colour and succulent sweet taste of Del Monte pineapples, underscoring many years of dedication, global expertise, and care.
On a visit to the farm, Maudhui House established that Del Monte Kenya, is not just a hub of pineapple production but also a global centre where dedication, the right know-how, and care among workers and the community converge.
For example, a block away in the Quality Control (QC) laboratory next to the pineapple fruit packhouse, Hellen Wambui welcomes us with a broad smile as the rich smell of ripe pineapple blends intricately with the hum of machines, creating a perfect symphony of industry and nature.
Hellen then leads us through spotless stainless-steel counters, pipes, and rows of precise appliances until we find ourselves in the QC lab where dedication to quality is evident.
Hellen, a safe pair of hands who joined Del Monte Kenya as a packer in 1999, says she has learned to perform her duties meticulously. Throughout her 25 years of service, she has been the custodian of quality, guaranteeing that every canned pineapple leaving Del Monte for consumption meets stringent international standards consistently.
“There are new challenges each day,” Hellen told this writer smiling proudly while wearing her white lab coat. “I cherish seeing every package of pineapple we produce taking Kenya’s unique flavour worldwide.”
Every sample destined for export goes through a set of tests, from pH levels to sugar content, and weight, she explains. For her, every aspect of various products must meet Del Monte’s stringent safety standards.
As she tests the pineapple’s sugar content, Hellen reflects on her journey over the decades, stating “My mother used to work in Del Monte; and I looked forward to working here, too… When I started as a new employee, the technology was different, but my passion for quality has remained the same,” she says.
She takes the readings, confirming that the natural sweetness of the fruits will delight consumers across the world.
Next, she re-checks the weights, and the product labels, too.
“Accuracy is crucial,” she notes, adding that the colours, fonts, and all the information to be put out are scrutinized thoroughly.
Last but not least, Hellen takes her position at the tasting station, putting her palates to the test, relishing each sample, and ensuring consistency in each batch.
“Our customers expect the best, and it is my job to ensure that we deliver,” she adds.
Before calling it a day, Hellen works on the final checklist that includes the pre-shipment analysis reports.
“It’s about trust. The customers are sure that every Del Monte pineapple can that they open will be without a flaw, and this confidence is created in the QC lab.”
With a contented tilt of her head, she finishes her reports, and only then, other batches of pineapples await to spread happiness to consumers worldwide.
For her passion and dedication, Hellen has been picked as an envoy of the United Nation’s Women Health and Empowerment program that targets to sensitize thousands of people in Kiambu and Murang’a counties on reproductive health, family planning, cancer, menstruation, and sexually transmitted diseases.
Located inside the large premises of the firm, there is a special group that stays hard at work in the doctor’s clinic for the wellness of Del Monte’s total employee population of 6,500 and their dependents.
Here, we meet Diana Kiarie, a community nurse who has for 18 years witnessed the transformation of the firm’s crucial health department into a system of warm-hearted professionals and skilled medical caregivers.
When she arrives at the clinic every day there is a blend of friendly greetings and the gentle rustle of medical records as her team engages with workers and or their families seeking medical attention.
For Diana, there is nothing constant in life, except for change, and with that change comes new, healthy challenges and lessons.
“My strategy is to remain prepared,” Diana says with a warm smile.
“Del Monte is very passionate about the healthcare of employees and their dependents,” she explains, adding that her team runs a chain of healthcare facilities, serving people at different stations in the farm estates.
Over the years, the company’s healthcare system has evolved, creating opportunities for workers and their dependents to get medical attention from different consultants for various ailments. Currently, every week Diana accompanies three consulting doctors, including paediatricians, reproductive health experts, and general practitioners, fulfilling her passion—reassuring patients and offering them comfort before or after they have been treated.
“Having consultants has helped us as we don’t have to keep referring every condition outside the company healthcare system and as a result, we can handle most of the health needs within our facilities. Another milestone of note is the rollout of a modern breastfeeding room in the firm, complete with lockers and a safe storage system for lactating mothers to express,” explains Diana who joined the company just after her maternity leave in 2006.
With a dedicated support team comprising of clinical officers and medical lab experts, Diana says they work hand-in-hand, integrating promotive, preventive, and curative healthcare services for thousands of Del Monte employees.
“It’s not just about nurses curing sicknesses,” Diana, who has since progressed to studying counselling psychology says, adding that she ensures all her patients experience an affirmative interaction with her. “There is a lot to do with reassuring the family and/or the employee.”
Her compassionate approach puts patients at ease, fostering a sense of trust and security.
“I’m a very intentional nurse… Our employees work hard, and we have to take care of them, and their families,” she adds. “Their health is our priority.”
“I’ve seen this clinic grow into a comprehensive healthcare facility,” she says with pride, noting that over the years she has transformed into a good manager, too. “We’re not just colleagues; we’re a family. Del Monte has systems that work,” Diana concludes, her eyes shining with dedication.
Diana and Hellen’s experience reflects the positive impact that fruit processor Del Monte is making on over 6,500 employees, nurturing their skills, and enhancing their livelihoods while also creating a working environment that enriches family and community life. As the company continues to grow its market footprint internationally, this enduring commitment looks to resonate with more workers, creating a lasting impression on thousands of workers and their families, while cementing Del Monte’s legacy as a key pillar in the success of the agriculture industry in Kenya.
