KENYA – Upfield, the global leader in plant-based nutrition, has expanded its product portfolio in Kenya with the launch of Altis Extra Virgin Olive Oil.

The oil, produced in Greece, is widely enjoyed in several countries across the globe, making Kenya its latest market.

According to the Blue Band margarine maker, the edible oil is 100% natural olive oil made from olives by cold extraction which ensures the oil offers extensive nutritional benefits.

It has low acidity, maintains natural aroma of fresh olives, green herbs and apple, combined harmoniously for a robust but well-balanced profile and flavor and has an extremely low smoking point of 200° Celsius.

Altis extra virgin olive oil is ideal for sauces, marinates and salad dressing and is a good source of energy and monounsaturated “good” fats, it is a rich source of antioxidants and helps absorb fat-soluble vitamins (Α,D,E) from food. It also contributes to a lower risk of cardiovascular diseases and supports proper development.

It is currently available in 500ml, 750ml and 1000ml bottles in major retail outlets in the country.

Altis Extra Virgin Olive Oil has been appraised for its quality and won the iTQi Superior Taste Award in Europe and the Kotinos Quality Award by the Olive Oil Scientific Society, Filaios, in Greece.

“We are delighted to bring a new addition to our portfolio. Altis is a high-quality extra virgin olive oil with a rich, superior and authentic taste of Greece to the last drop.

“We use the traditional way of collecting, with almost no machinery to ensure the best of the olives are extracted for bottling,” said Peter Muchiri, Managing Director, East and Southern Africa, Upfield.

According to Euromonitor international, Kenya has experienced a steady growth in olive oil market with forecast value growth estimated to reach over Kshs.25billion (US$230m) by 2023. The trend is driven by health and wellness concerns.

With the launch of the condiment in the new market, Upfield further increases its share in the global olive oil market which was estimated at US$11.2 billion in the year 2020 by Research and Markets.

The market segment is projected to reach the size of US$13.8 billion by 2027, growing at a CAGR of 2.9% over the period 2020-2027.

The growing interest in trying out exotic cuisines has mainly contributed to the increased popularity of the oil across various regions in the world.

“We are delighted to bring a new addition to our portfolio. Altis is a high-quality extra virgin olive oil with a rich, superior and authentic taste of Greece to the last drop.”

Peter Muchiri – Managing Director, East and Southern Africa, Upfield

In recent years, olive oil has been extensively utilized as an ingredient in the manufacturing of dietary supplements and pharmaceuticals.

The growing awareness regarding the health benefits of the oil is attributed to its omega-3 fatty acid content that will drive its demand in the forthcoming years.

Also, with consumers paying more attention to label claims such as natural, raw, and cold-pressed, while purchasing oil products, has driven the demand of olive oil in the market as it is deemed to be safer and healthier compared to its counterparts.

According to Fortune Business Insights, consumers are more inclined towards buying virgin & extravirgin olive oil owing to their minimal processing and stable fatty acid profile.

The clean flavour and unaltered organoleptic properties of cold-pressed, virgin oils further fuel their demand in the market. 

Furthermore, the rising concerns related to environmental sustainability are projected to drive the demand for natural, minimally processed olive fruit oils in the forthcoming years.

The launch of Altis Extra Virgin Olive Oil, adds to the innovations introduced in Kenya by Upfield after the recent launches of Blue Band Peanut butter, Mayonnaise, and Instant Porridge into the country.

All these are an addition to the famous Blue Band margarine.

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