Milly Fruits seeks USD 1.7M investment for new Mombasa plant

KENYA – Milly Fruits Processors Ltd, a leading fruit processing company based in Mombasa, Kenya, is seeking an investment of Sh219.6 million (USD 1.7 million) to set up a new processing plant.

This new facility is expected to process 5,000 metric tons (MT) of raw fruits annually, with a vision to double its capacity by the third year.

The planned plant will focus on producing premium dehydrated fruits, such as mangoes, pineapples, and coconuts. Initially, the plant aims to produce 850 MT of dehydrated fruits, catering to both the export and domestic markets.

“The investment will reduce post-harvest losses and increase farmer income by supporting the adoption of the GLOBAL GAP standard,” the company said in a statement.

The GLOBAL GAP standard ensures sustainable and safe food production, helping farmers meet international market requirements.

Milly Fruits has been active in the Kenyan market since 1988 and is well known for its fruit pulp and concentrate products, which are sourced directly from local farmers.

The company supplies its products to domestic clients like Delmonte (Kenya) Limited and exports them to various markets in Africa, the Middle East, and Europe.

In addition to enhancing its production capabilities, the company expects the new investment to create 80 jobs in Mombasa.

These positions will span across different stages of fruit processing, from handling raw materials to packaging finished products.

The company stated that projected annual sales are expected to reach USD 1.2 million, which will be achieved through Milly Fruits’ commitment to high-quality standards, including adherence to HACCP guidelines for food safety. This will not only boost local employment but also contribute to the regional economy.

In line with global trends toward sustainable practices, Milly Fruits is planning to integrate solar energy into its operations.

At least 15% of its products will be manufactured using solar power, reducing the company’s carbon footprint while ensuring energy efficiency.

“Adopting renewable energy in our processes will not only reduce operational costs but also make us more environmentally responsible,” the company explained.

This is part of a larger sustainability initiative aimed at cutting energy costs and promoting green energy solutions.

The processed fruit market in Kenya is projected to grow steadily over the coming years. The market for processed and frozen fruits is expected to reach USD 0.35 million by 2024, with an annual growth rate of 0.57% expected until 2029.

Milly Fruits is positioning itself to capitalize on this trend through its expanded operations and increased production capacity.