Kerry expands in East Africa with first taste manufacturing facility in Rwanda
The new facility in Kigali aims to support local food and beverage manufacturers with high-quality ingredients and expertise.
RWANDA – Kerry, a global company specializing in taste and nutrition, has launched its first taste manufacturing facility in Rwanda to strengthen its presence in East Africa.
Located in Kigali, the facility is expected to provide essential ingredients and technical expertise to local food and beverage producers, supporting the country’s growing food industry.
The investment is part of Kerry’s broader business strategy, which includes a €1 billion (US$1.11 billion) commitment to emerging markets to drive growth and sustainability in the food sector.
The Kigali facility aligns with the company’s goal of expanding its manufacturing and research capabilities in high-growth regions across Africa.
The opening event was attended by key stakeholders, including representatives from the Rwanda Food and Drugs Authority, top manufacturers, local universities, and Jill Clements, Deputy Head of Mission to Uganda and Rwanda at the Embassy of Ireland.
Jad Neaime, General Manager of Kerry Africa, emphasized the company’s vision for the region, stating, “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 & 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.”
The facility is also designed with sustainability in mind. It features zero waste to landfill, energy-efficient utility equipment, and a wastewater treatment system that aligns with Kerry’s environmental goals.
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.”
Growing market and regional expansion
The food and beverage market in Rwanda has been expanding, driven by rising incomes, urbanization, and changing consumer preferences.
According to a market report by Statista, food market revenue in Rwanda is projected to reach US$122.2 million in 2025, with an annual growth rate of 6.85% from 2025 to 2029, leading to a market volume of US$159.3 million by 2029.
The soft drinks and bottled water industry in Rwanda is expected to grow steadily from 2020 to 2028, reflecting increased demand for beverages and processed food products such as those provided by Kerry.
Kerry has been present in East Africa since 2018, when it opened a technology and innovation center in Kenya. Over the years, the company has expanded its capabilities through acquisitions and investments, now operating seven sites across Rwanda, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Cameroon, South Africa, and Nigeria. It also has sales offices in Lagos and Nairobi.
Expansion beyond Africa
The opening of Kerry’s Rwanda facility comes just weeks after the company launched Pakistan’s first international flavoring production facility in partnership with Far Eastern Impex (FEI).
Peter Dillane, President and CEO of Kerry Asia Pacific, Middle East & Africa, stated, “Through our partnership with FEI, we are offering customers, including PepsiCo, a local manufacturing footprint, reducing lead times, and enabling innovation tailored to local tastes. This investment underscores our commitment to nurturing local suppliers, growing local talent, and supporting the evolving food industry in Pakistan.”
Pakistan’s food industry is projected to grow at over 7% annually between 2025 and 2030, highlighting significant opportunities for Kerry and its partners, as cited in industry reports.
With these investments, Kerry continues to expand its global footprint while reinforcing its commitment to sustainable and locally focused food production.
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