From Field to ForkThe Sunripe Story

Hasit ShahHasit ShahManaging Director Managing Director

Sunripe KenyaSunripe Kenya

info@sunripe.co.kewww.sunripe.co.kewww.sunripe.co.ke

23rd September 2009 23rd September 2009 Borschette CentreBorschette Centre

European CommissionEuropean Commission

This intervention will present the experience of Sunripe Group in producing and exporting fresh pre-packed and prepared produce, fruits, vegetables and cut flowers from Kenya and Tanzania to the EU markets. It will provide an overview of the group production, packaging and logistics processes, as well as quality policy and products diversification and vertical integration strategies which will highlight its improved market access and business development.

38 Million People, GDP : $38Bn, 580,000 sq km

Kenya Overview

The Sunripe GroupFarm, Process, Export & Distribute 6,500 T of Fresh Produce, Prepared

Convenience Packs, Exotic Fruits, Organic Fruit & Veg + Cut-flowers.

Production & Processing

2

Logistics & cold chain

3

Markets

1

Sunripe

2009 statistics Plant out 50+ Hectares a

week [year round] On our own land, with

large contract farmers & with 1,000 Smallholders

Team : 2,200 employees + 4,000 working on contract suppliers farm, process & market 6,500 tons to 25 countries weekly

[500T Organics]

Sunripe’s evolution

Established in 1965 First exports: 1969 1970’s: Bulk Produce 1980’s: Niche

products 1990’s: Prepared

washed ready to cook/eat lines

2003: Organics, sophisticated mixes, cut flowers

Marketed in over 25 countries

Bulk Produce

Sunripe – product evolution In the 1980’s

• In the 1990’s

• In the 21st Century

Standards : Quality, Safety and Legality

Our produce meets all aspects of Quality, Safety and Legality

Complies with international SPS Requirements Compliant with EU Legislation that covers

MRL & residues Marketing Standards Traceability Harmful Organisms

Compliant with Private Sector Standards on GAP, Environment, Labour & Processing facilities

Due Diligence & CSR

Processing, Quality & Value Addition

The cool chain, freight & logistics

Points of Difference Sustainable farming &

guaranteed 52 week supply

Category management & now multi-country sourcing

Organics & IPM = reduced chemicals & fertilisers

Unique range of Flowers & Exotic Vegetables

Fresh, no preservatives, not frozen or canned

Value addition at source Long life packaging &

labeling Reliable cool supply chai

The reasons for growthAt the onset

Good market linkages Ability to travel / common business languages Security of tenure and land titles which are essential for investment security Good, educated & a hard working work force Transfer of technology Well developed Support, Services & Inputs sector No restrictive regulations nor interference from government as this was a

sector that developed post independence

Current Drivers Continuous reinvestment Access to finance (though not cheap!) but limited borrowing Improved communications Free market fundamentals Decent Infrastructure [roads / airports / power] Well controlled Crop Protection & inputs sector Reliable support from KEPHIS - Kenya Plant Protection Inspectorate Govt negotiating Free Market Access to the EU & new FTA’s