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Kampala, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | Irish-based company Kerry has opened a plant in Kampala, Uganda.
Kerry, a world leader in taste and nutrition, is expanding its footprint in East Africa with the opening of a factory to support local food and beverage manufacturers. The 1,000 square meter facility will expand Kerry’s capacity in the region.
The opening was attended by Peter Dillane, Vice President & General Manager of Kerry Middle East, Indian Subcontinent and Africa (MISA), Jad Neaime, General Manager of Kerry Greater Africa, along with the Africa leadership team, Kerry Uganda staff and key customers.
Dillane said that Africa has 65 percent of vast land that can used for agriculture. He added that more crops have been grown for use in food processing but in an unorganized manner making it hard to get consistent quality and prices.
Dillane revealed that with the opening of the plant in Uganda, there is a need to work with agricultural groups, government, and other partners to establish consistency, good, and stable prices for the farmers.
Commenting on the facility opening, Peter Dillane said: “The establishment of this manufacturing site in Uganda marks a further step towards realising our vision of creating a world of sustainable nutrition. Kerry has consistently prioritised meeting local demands, with great taste being a paramount criterion in the food and beverage industry. Our cutting-edge technologies, coupled with our expertise and now local production, will enable us to collaborate with our customers in crafting delicious and nutritious products.”
Kevin Colgan the Irish Ambassador to Uganda, highlighted that Kerry Group will give huge importance not just in production but also in science and technology transfer to help Uganda grow its food industry.
Colgan said that the coming of Kerry in the country will enhance the income of Ugandans.
Kerry has a significant presence in Africa, with its main facility in Durban, South Africa, and sales offices in Lagos and Nairobi.
“Uganda’s economy is fast-growing, driven by a thriving food processing industry. Producing in Uganda strengthens our localisation plans. This includes focusing on local partnerships, developing local sourcing in East Africa — from food ingredients to local talent and supply chain development — to enable growth in the communities in which we operate,” said Jad Neaime, General Manager of Kerry Greater Africa.
During the Uganda- European Union Business Summit in Kampala, several companies from Europe promised to partner with companies in Uganda, and over 100 million Euros worth of projects were signed between member states of the European Union, Uganda, and the private sector.
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