Kerry Group opens taste manufacturing facility in Rwanda

RWANDA – Irish ingredients giant Kerry Group has inaugurated its first taste manufacturing facility in Rwanda, a move in expanding its presence across East Africa. 

The new plant, located in Kigali, is expected to support food and beverage manufacturers in the region by providing localized production capabilities and tailored taste solutions.

The development comes as part of Kerry’s plan to invest €1 billion (US$1.08B) in emerging markets. The initiative is aimed at strengthening the company’s position in high-growth regions and enhancing sustainability across its operations.

The Kigali facility was officially opened in the presence of representatives from the Rwanda Food and Drugs Authority, local universities, and food and beverage manufacturers from across East Africa.

As the only global taste and nutrition company with production capabilities in East Africa, Kerry aims to use the site to partner more closely with local businesses, offering customized solutions while utilizing its global innovation network.

According to Jad Neaime, General Manager for Kerry Africa, the establishment of the Rwandan plant reflects the company’s commitment to increasing its proximity to fast-growing consumer markets. 

He noted that the decision to establish a local facility aligns with Rwanda’s expanding food processing sector and will allow Kerry to engage more directly with regional stakeholders, increase local sourcing, and contribute to talent development.

The Kigali site is designed with sustainability in mind. It incorporates energy-efficient utility systems and a zero-waste-to-landfill policy. A specialised wastewater treatment facility has also been installed to support environmental management efforts.

Kerry’s operations in East Africa began in 2018 with the opening of a technology and innovation centre in Nairobi, Kenya. 

Since then, the company has steadily expanded its regional footprint. In December 2021, Kerry acquired Afribon, a Rwanda-based flavour company founded in 2012 with operations across Rwanda, Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, and Cameroon. 

The acquisition provided Kerry with greater local market access and strengthened its formulation capabilities in the region.

More recently, in March 2024, Kerry launched a US$5 million manufacturing facility in Uganda, following the inauguration of its first manufacturing plant in Tanzania in November 2023. 

These developments are part of a strategic expansion plan targeting the East African region. The company also operates facilities in South Africa, Nigeria, and Cameroon, in addition to its East African base in Kenya.

Kerry previously announced a US$40 million investment in a new manufacturing plant in Durban, South Africa, focused on nutritional and functional products. This followed its acquisition of South African biotechnology company Bio-Kinetics in 2021, as part of efforts to diversify its health and nutrition portfolio in the region.

By establishing production closer to its East African customer base, Kerry aims to streamline supply chains and accelerate product delivery timelines, offering greater flexibility in meeting regional demands. 

The Kigali facility will also act as a hub for future collaboration with local stakeholders, including academia and government agencies, to further support food system development in Rwanda and neighbouring markets.