Kerry opens taste manufacturing facility in Rwanda

Kerry is expanding in East Africa, opening a taste manufacturing facility in Rwanda to support local food and beverage manufacturers.

The investment is part of Kerry’s broader strategic business drive, which includes a €1 billion investment in emerging markets to accelerate growth and sustainability in the global food industry.

The opening was attended by dignitaries including representatives of the Rwanda Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) and local universities, manufacturers from across the country, and the Deputy Head of Mission to Uganda and Rwanda, Embassy of Ireland, Jill Clements.

Located in Kigali, the facility will expand Kerry’s capacity to provide high-quality ingredients and expertise to local food and beverage manufacturers. The facility will deliver sustainable and authentic taste solutions tailored to local preferences.

Kerry has been present in East Africa since 2018 when it opened a technology and innovation centre in Kenya. It has since expanded its capabilities through acquisitions and investments and its Africa manufacturing footprint now includes seven sites across Rwanda, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Cameroon, South Africa and Nigeria, as well as sales offices in Lagos and Nairobi.

Jad Neaime, General Manager, Kerry Africa, said, “The establishment of this facility in Rwanda marks a significant step towards realising our vision to bring delicious and nutritious products, produced with world-class quality, to millions of African consumers. As the only global taste and nutrition solutions company producing in East Africa, we aim to partner with our customers to help them solve their unique challenges and grow their business by leveraging our innovative technologies and global network.”

In line with Kerry’s sustainability strategy, the facility features zero waste to landfill, 100% utility equipment designed to the latest energy efficiency standards, and a fit-for-purpose wastewater treatment system.

Neaime added, “Rwanda’s economy is fast-growing, driven by a thriving food processing industry. Producing in Rwanda strengthens our localisation plans and brings us closer to our customers and their needs. This includes building local partnerships, expanding local sourcing, and recruiting and upskilling local talent, to enable growth in the communities we operate.”

Image caption: (From left) Regis Manyange, Commercial Director, East Africa, Kerry; Jad Neaime, General Manager, Kerry Africa; Jill Clements, Deputy Head of Mission to Uganda and Rwanda, Embassy of Ireland; Belinda Kayihura, QSHE & Site Manager, Rwanda, Kerry.