KENYA – Kyosk Digital Services, an online retail distributor, has acquired KwikBasket to boost its new Farm & Fresh line of business as the business expand its footprint into the African fresh produce market.

According to Kyosk, KwikBasket is a prominent player in the agricultural industry known for its expertise in the distribution of agricultural produce and for providing valuable services and solutions to farmers, commercial kitchens, and other stakeholders in the food chain.

“This acquisition marks a major milestone for Kyosk as we broaden our footprint in the fresh produce market in Africa and enhance our offering to cater to the needs of farmers, retailers, kitchens, eateries, and other consumers,” Co-Founder and CEO of Kyosk Digital Services, Raphael Afaedor said.

“With KwikBasket’s extensive expertise and resources, we are strategically positioned to unlock the full potential of farming in Africa and create a fair and efficient marketplace that benefits all stakeholders in the food chain.”

According to the company’s press release, Kyosk Digital Services specializes in online retail distribution and is driven by a digital-first approach and data-driven insights.

The company also revealed its aim to transform the distribution and accessibility of goods and services in Africa through innovative solutions. By connecting businesses, consumers, and suppliers, Kyosk.App facilitates seamless transactions and enhances overall efficiency in the supply chain.

“This expansion presents a unique opportunity for Kyosk to leverage its digital-first and data-led distribution platform to revolutionize the way fresh produce is sourced, distributed, and enjoyed in Africa,” Raphael noted.

Additionally, Kyosk Fresh assured that it will cater to the needs of restaurants, eateries, and other customers by providing a consistent supply of a wide variety of high-quality products.

This will enable kitchens and eateries to maintain stability and competitiveness in terms of pricing while ensuring food safety, transparency, and traceability throughout the supply chain. 

In addition, as part of the launch of the Farm & Fresh line of business, the uLima digital platform will be rebranded to Kyosk Farm. uLima was a platform that provided farmers with quality inputs, localised market information, and market linkage.

“Kyosk Farm will now build upon the foundation of uLima, leveraging its existing features and functionality while enhancing the overall user experience,” Kyosk stated.

Kyosk Farm also promised to offer improved yields for farmers by providing access to information, insights, and agri-inputs, such as fertilisers, and financing.

This is aimed to enable farmers to connect with consistent market access and fair pricing, ensuring sustainable income and growth opportunities for their businesses.

“The African retail market is valued at approximately US$600 billion and is projected to grow at a rate of 5% to 6% annually,” Kyosk highlighted.

“Kyosk focuses on serving small retail outlets and traditional retailers, which account for over 60% of retail trade in Africa.”

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