Unilever Kenya expands spice range with new Royco Chilli Cube

KENYA – Unilever Kenya has debuted the Royco Chilli Cube, targeting the rising consumer demand for chili-infused seasonings in the Kenyan market. 

The product, designed to enhance the flavor of beans, aims to cater to a staple in Kenyan households while offering a new dimension to everyday meals.

“This cube is crafted to elevate the flavor of your beans to a whole new level,” Eunice Ng’ang’a, Channel and Category Development Manager – Nutrition at Unilever Kenya, announced on her LinkedIn. She credited the Unilever Nutrition team for their efforts in bringing the innovation to fruition.

The introduction of the Royco Chilli Cube aligns with Unilever’s strategic move to maintain a competitive edge amid the growing popularity of chili cubes, particularly those in the Knorr range.

Expanding Royco’s legacy in Kenyan kitchens

Royco, a staple in Kenyan households for over five decades, continues to dominate the food seasoning market with a robust portfolio of products. 

Heritage items such as Royco Mchuzi Mix and Royco Cube have entrenched themselves in the country’s culinary culture. 

According to recent data from Kantar Worldpanel, six out of ten Kenyan homes incorporate Royco spices into their cooking routines, cementing the brand’s widespread presence.

In response to evolving consumer preferences, Unilever unveiled an array of dry seasonings under the Royco brand late last year. 

The range includes 11 diverse variants, blending local culinary traditions with modern flavor profiles. 

These variants feature four blended spices—pilau masala, curry and spice, nyama choma spices, and wet and dry fry spices—and seven pure spices, including ginger, garlic, turmeric, black pepper, cinnamon, cardamom, and paprika.

Notably, the nyama choma spices and wet and dry fry spices are produced and packed locally at the Njoro Canning facility, emphasizing Unilever’s commitment to supporting local production while meeting consumer demand.

Chilli Cube: A strategic response to market trends

Unilever’s introduction of the Royco Chilli Cube highlights its proactive approach to addressing shifting consumer tastes. 

Chili-based seasonings have gained popularity as more Kenyans embrace spicier flavor profiles in their meals. 

The new cube is positioned as a direct competitor to similar offerings in the market, including the successful Knorr chili cubes.