Del Monte Kenya at 60 years: This is our story

Del Monte Kenya began in 1948 as Kenya Canners Limited before later transitioning and expanding under Del Monte operations starting in 1965.

According to Del Monte Kenya Managing Director Wayne Cook celebrates the company's 60 years and the growth its sustained and offered to employees and communities.

“Reaching 60 years means continuous growth, continuous contribution to the economy and continuous contribution to employment. We started from a very small farm that relied on out-growers to a farm that grew immensely that impacted the local economy in a significant manner,” says Cook.

This major milestone reflects the commitment of generations of workers who have contributed to the farm’s growth and continuity.

“This is a very good opportunity to recognise the many people behind our journey as Del Monte Kenya. It is a chance to appreciate the community for their support and plan how we can build a sustainable future together,” adds Cook.

The growth and evolution of Del Monte Kenya into a leading agribusiness operating on over 8,000 hectares of leasehold land in Thika, Kenya has left an indelible mark of good on the Kenyan economy and the lives of the people.

Once characterised by a single crop, cannery-led model, Del Monte Kenya land-use strategy has undergone a deliberate change toward diversification and sustainability-led production.

From a legacy cannery-first base into fresh produce exports and individually Quick Frozen (IQF) capability, alongside crop diversification into mangoes and avocados with trials on crops such as rosemary and marigold.

Del Monte Kenya Agriculture Manager Moses Mulili terms the sixty years of growth and development at Del Monte Kenya as the ‘Golden Jubilee’.

Mulili says that behind the sixty-year celebrations are the daily duties of managing agricultural operations, maintaining productivity and responding to changing demands in the farming sector.

“We celebrate the sixty-year milestone of keeping Del Monte Kenya running for a very long time and developing a very strong foundation. Delivering wholesome products to people and returning value to our country. It is important to note that we are celebrating 60 years when we are supplying almost 2 per cent of the GDP in agriculture in Kenya,” says Mulili – adding that this anniversary is as much about the future as it is about the past.

In the sixty-years, the company has built a family, employed thousands of Kenyans, and drew many from the surrounding community. This has helped to ensure a good relationship with the locals.

These achievements have been anchored on teamwork and the willingness of employees to handle practical challenges of agricultural production and growth.

As a result, Del Monte Kenya has grown to reach milestones that places its history alongside the lives of the people who have worked there, their families and communities that have interacted with the company over the years.

Del Monte Kenya Human Resource Manager Gideon Kimutai manages the entire employee lifecycle, supporting and ensuring the workforce align with business goals.

“Many people have benefitted from working with Del Monte Kenya over the sixty years. There are those that have worked here together with their children and even grandchildren. It has been a beautiful story of continuity and support. Investing in employees has been and remains essential to the company’s continued success. Our employees have played a key role in sustaining the company throughout the years,” says Kimutai.

“For thousands working on our farms, schools, clinics, administration, the factories and suppliers, this anniversary represents an opportunity to recognise contribution of workers whose efforts contribute even away from the spotlight,” says Kimutai.

“Our employees are central to what we do. The company has a couple of benefits which our employees enjoy; from housing, medical schemes, educational programmes, staff meals and pension schemes among others,” he adds. 

Employee welfare, skills development and good working conditions are important because the story of Del Monte is anchored on the people.

As Del Monte Kenya celebrates six decades, its story continues to extend beyond the expansive fields.

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