Kenya’s biggest pineapple producer Del Monte will begin production of biofertilizer from pineapple waste in June.
The company is looking to cash in on the growing global biofertilizers market which is expected to grow to around $9.14B by 2032 by creating different types of biofertilizers for its use and sale to farmers in Kenya and East African countries.
Biofertilizers are natural fertilizers that help promote plant growth by increasing the supply of essential nutrients to the plants, improving the soil texture and yield of plants, and providing a more sustainable option to traditional fertilizers.
The firm which is one of the world’s leading producers, marketers, and distributors of fresh-cut fruits and has over 14,000 dedicated to growing and processing pineapples is partnering with Vellsam Materias Bioactivas– a leading producer of biotechnological solutions– to maximize the use of its pineapple residues in making biofertilizers.
The new biofertilizer plant which is currently running tests and will be fully operational in June will be situated close to Fresh Del Monte’s Kenyan subsidiary in Thika.
“Fresh Del Monte is committed to creating a circular economy and is taking active measures to repurpose and reuse its residues,” said Mohammad Abu-Ghazaleh, Fresh Del Monte’s Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. “We see this collaboration as a transformative turning point that has the potential to revolutionize how the agricultural industry farms. De l’Ora embodies our commitment to innovation, environmental stewardship, and pursuing boundaries of what is possible in agriculture.”
The value of the global biofertilizer industry is expected to grow steadily due to increasing awareness about sustainable agriculture practices, rising demand for organic food products, and government initiatives promoting biofertilizer usage.
Read More:
Migori farmer maximises pineapple yield through row planting
Kilifi farmer banks on pineapples as season’s low-cost money maker
Nandi farmer who abandoned maize for pineapples has no regrets