Del Monte acquires Mananasi Fibre to advance recycling and sustainability goals in Kenya

KENYA – Del Monte Kenya Limited, one of the country’s leading pineapple processors, has received unconditional approval from the Competition Authority of Kenya (CAK) to fully acquire Mananasi Fibre Limited (MFL).

The acquisition marks a significant step in Del Monte’s efforts to enhance sustainability and gain greater control over the waste generated by its operations.

Mananasi Fibre, a waste management company, specializes in producing compost, biochar, and pineapple fibre—products derived from agricultural waste, particularly pineapple residues.

With the acquisition, Del Monte aims to integrate these waste-to-value solutions into its production cycle, creating a closed-loop system that turns waste into commercial products.

This aligns with the company’s long-term environmental, social, and governance (ESG) goals.

MFL currently operates in three main areas: textile-grade pineapple fibre, biochar, and organic compost.

These products not only promote circularity but also support key sectors such as sustainable fashion, soil health, and carbon sequestration.

By acquiring MFL, Del Monte not only secures waste recovery for its pineapple processing operations but also diversifies its business model into the rapidly growing green economy.

The CAK confirmed that the acquisition does not pose any threat to market competition or create unfair dominance, noting that other players such as TakaTaka Solutions, Eco Nasi, Cookswell Jikos, Biochar Life, and Pine Kazi continue to operate in the same market space.

“The integration of operations and subsequent scaling up of production are likely to create additional employment opportunities for both skilled and unskilled workers,” the authority noted.

The approval comes at a time when interest in biochar—a charcoal-like substance used to improve soil quality and capture carbon—is growing.

Kenya alone has the potential to produce over 358,970 metric tonnes of biochar annually from maize farming residues, according to the CAK.

This move also reflects Del Monte’s broader ambition to future-proof its operations. In 2024, Del Monte Foods Holdings Limited, the parent company of Del Monte Kenya, posted net sales of US$1.74 billion, despite a net loss of US$118.6 million due to macroeconomic challenges.

The acquisition of MFL strengthens its sustainability profile and opens new revenue streams, reinforcing its resilience in an evolving global economy increasingly shaped by environmental priorities.

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