Uganda welcomes the establishment of a new plant by Kerry International Flavor, an Irish-based company, aimed at bolstering the local food and beverage manufacturing sector. This venture, located in Banda and representing an investment exceeding five million dollars, underscores the company’s commitment to supporting the region’s economic development.
Speaking at the plant’s inauguration, Peter Dillane, the Vice President of Africa and the Middle East for Kerry Company, expressed the company’s intention to expand its footprint in East Africa and across the continent. He highlighted Africa’s abundance of arable land, constituting 65 percent of the total, emphasizing the potential for agricultural growth. However, Dillane noted the challenge of inconsistent quality and pricing due to the unorganized nature of food crop production.
Dillane emphasized the importance of collaboration with agricultural groups, government entities, and other stakeholders to establish consistency in quality and pricing, thereby benefiting local farmers. Moreover, he anticipated that the plant’s operations would stimulate local manufacturing activities, consequently generating employment opportunities for Ugandans.
Kevin Colgan, the Irish Ambassador to Uganda, underscored Kerry Group’s commitment not only to production but also to knowledge transfer in science and technology. He highlighted the potential for Kerry’s presence in Uganda to contribute significantly to the country’s economic prosperity, particularly through increased income for Ugandans.
Kerry already maintains a notable presence in Africa, with its primary facility situated in Durban, South Africa, and additional sales offices in Lagos and Nairobi. The establishment of the plant in Uganda aligns with Kerry’s broader strategy of expansion and engagement within the African market.
The inauguration of the Kerry International Flavor plant coincided with the Uganda-European Union Business Summit in Kampala. During the summit, numerous European companies pledged to collaborate with Ugandan counterparts, resulting in the signing of projects worth over 100 million Euros between European Union member states, Uganda, and the private sector.
Table: Potential Impacts of Kerry International Flavor Plant
| Impact | Description |
|---|---|
| Economic Growth | Stimulates local manufacturing activities and creates employment opportunities |
| Agricultural Development | Facilitates collaboration to improve consistency and stability in crop quality and pricing |
| Knowledge Transfer | Offers expertise in science and technology to enhance Uganda’s food industry |
