Kenya’s Vicky Green Farms Africa launches Soovita Banana Wine

KENYA – Vicky Green Farms Africa Limited in Kenya has launched its inaugural product, the ‘Soovita Banana Wine,’ marking a significant stride in transforming value addition to bananas.  

This indigenous banana wine is crafted from ripened Kisii bananas and is rich in potassium, manganese, and vitamins. 

The launch of the Soovita Banana Wine is seen as a breakthrough in the banana production value chain, holding the potential to generate employment opportunities for numerous farmers engaged in banana cultivation.  

Vicky Onderi and Brian Muturi, the company’s directors, express their decade-long struggle to turn their vision into reality. 

“We visited several countries in our quest to achieve our dream. We are yet to fully commercialize because we are yet to meet a few legal requirements. We are glad that we have made a step towards having a complete banana value chain,” shared Ms. Vicky. 

Muturi emphasized the immense economic potential within the banana industry, stating, “We had lost hope. The returns on banana farming could be huge, we should embrace it.” 

Nandi Deputy Governor Dr Yulita Cheruiyot underscored the broader economic implications, highlighting the focus of Lake Region Economic Bloc member counties on enhancing agricultural production through value addition and agro-processing.  

This strategy aims to boost farmers’ earnings, create job opportunities, and foster competitiveness in emerging markets. 

“In pursuit of the Bottom-up Economic Transformation Agenda, the banana value chain has several products; manufacturers can have banana juice, flour, and fiber. One can have weaves and wigs from bananas. Let us diversify our manufacturing,” said Dr. Cheruiyot. 

Vicky Green Farms has also invested Kes30 million (US$188,976) in a tissue culture laboratory.

This facility, certified by the Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service, plays a crucial role in producing certified clean planting material for the region, which has witnessed increased demand as both the government and farmers recognize the benefits of certified planting material. 

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