KENYA – Rwanda-based food processing company Africa Improved Foods has partnered Kenya’s consumer goods firm, Tropikal Brands to launch nutritious products in the region.
The partnership also seeks to ensure sustained quality of grains sourced from across the Eastern Africa region.
Speaking during the launch of the newly developed porridge flour under the brand name ‘Nutripro’, Davies Mukuria, Tropikal Brands Africa Managing Director, unveiled that the partnership looks to source nutritious grains from smallholder farmers across the region.
“As we launch Nutripro today, we are setting foot into a familiar territory, and offering a refreshing twist to a well-loved staple food.
“We are pleased to present to Kenyan households a first-in-kind porridge flour mix, fortified with the widest range of micronutrients, uniquely blended to deliver a smooth cooking experience, and hygienically packed to eliminate contamination,” he said.
The launch of the product mix falls against the backdrop of shifting trends that have seen a steady rise in the uptake of traditional wholesome foods as consumers become more health conscious, and the demand for better nutrition soars.
Porridge, long held as food for infants, invalids and breastfeeding mothers, today takes pride of place as a healthy and nutritious breakfast alternative across all consumers.
“In line with our commitment to delivering the highest standards of quality and excellence in everything we do, we have taken a deliberate approach across the entire production chain – from sourcing, milling, blending and packaging – to ensure that every serving of Nutripro delivers on safety, nutrition and convenience,” Mr Mukuria highlighted.
In a bid to improve nutritional quality of locally made cereal products, the Kenyan government has also passed laws requiring fortification of various food products as part of its efforts to reduce nutirnt dificiencies.
However, a recent study by Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology indicates that food fortification is a practice that is yet to be adopted by majority of maize millers in the country, reports Business Daily.
Tropikal Brands has also entered into partnership with other multinational food and beverage companies including Danone and Associated British Foods (ABF) for the distribution of their products across the Kenyan market.
Among the brands under the company’s portfolio include
