Ingredion Senior Director Mike Croghan and Margaret Osiemo of White Dezert
Global Ingredient Manufacturer Ingredion plans to re-introduce full operations in the Kenyan market. The company had closed down its factory in Eldoret in 2001 due to maize deficiency in the country.
According to Ingredion Senior Director Strategy & Business Development, Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) Mike Croghan, the company is working with various industry stakeholders to improve and stabilize market conditions.
The Ingredion group of companies specialises in nature-based sweeteners, starches and nutritional ingredients. With operations in more than 40 countries, the company serves approximately 60 diverse sectors in food, beverage, brewing, pharmaceuticals and other industries.
Currently, the company is relying on imports of products from other markets to meet the demands of the local market. The firm is also focusing on deploying products in line with the changing consumer needs and challenging economic times as consumption in emerging markets like kenya is largely driven by affordability.
“We closed down the Eldoret factory because the market conditions couldn’t allow us to operate optimally as Kenya is a maize deficiency company. With the business model we have adopted now, we work with our customers to develop some of these products then we ship then in from our factories in other markets. If market conditions allow, we will definitely review and business strategy going forward,â€he said.
Speaking during a customer event at a Nairobi Hotel to celebrate one year of Ingredion in Kenya, Croghan said the company was keen to expand its product portfolio not only in East Africa region but also the West African market.
Some of the products the company seeks to introduce into the region, will help manufacturers improve their cost efficiency without sacrificing eating quality and visual appeal
Today Ingredion serves customers within the EAC, namely, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda and Burundi and is also targeting to expand its business presence in West Africa using the Kenyan office as its business hub.