Investing in local food production in Africa – SimpliFine opens factory in Kenya
SimpliFine will increase production of fresh, locally-sourced meat, vegetables, baked goods, and other foods for restaurants, hotels and retail grocers across East Africa
Naivashi, Kenya – July 7, 2021 – SimpliFine announced its launch today as a food manufacturing company. The company will increase the availability of quality, locally-sourced foods, support the growth of regional farms and increase employment in the region.
Through improved, streamlined production measures and the use of local supplier farms, SimpliFine will provide its customers with fresh produce at great value. The company is growing its potato production and delivery, with plans to supply 450 tons of French fries by the end of 2021, the equivalent of more than 10 million meals.
As SimpliFine grows its customer base, it will triple employment on its supplier farms by the end of the year. The company’s current customers include a mix of restaurants, hotels, and retail grocers.
Africa’s food supply chain is becoming more local; SimpliFine aims to accelerate this progress. The company will use advanced supply chain management and operational expertise to ensure high-quality food is locally sourced, manufactured, and delivered to customers in an expedient and safe way.
“We are thrilled to bring quality and great value food options to our customers, and to help drive new economic activity throughout Kenya,” said Steven Carlyon, President of SimpliFine. “Our new production methodology – leveraging the services of BigCold, a Nairobi-based cold storage and cold chain solutions company serving East Africa – will allow us to reduce harvest-to-processing time and increase the capacity of local farms and their employees.”
“SimpliFine illustrates the value of effective production, handling, and delivery of perishable products,” said Newton Matope, President of BigCold. “We are excited to offer customers of BigCold end-to-end service for fresh food options – an efficiency that allows for improved products and better pricing for consumers.”
SimpliFine is a BlackIvy operating company, a U.S. holding company that builds, operates, and scales businesses that drive long-term growth and resilient value in essential sectors – food, housing, healthcare, warehousing and logistics – in Sub-Saharan Africa.
About SimpliFine
SimpliFine is a food production company offering fresh, locally-sourced meat, vegetables, baked goods, and other foods to restaurants, hotels, and retail grocers across East Africa. The sales team of SimpliFine Africa can be reached at +254 20 651 251 and +254 733 786202 or via www.simplifineafrica.com.
About BigCold
BigCold is a temperature-controlled storage and logistics company providing sophisticated cold chain solutions across East Africa from our anchor facility in Nairobi, Kenya. Our team is experienced in storing and delivering perishable products on time and at the right temperature.
About BlackIvy
BlackIvy is a US-based holding company that builds, operates, and scales businesses that drive long-term growth and resilient value in essential sectors - food, housing, healthcare, warehousing and logistics - in Sub-Saharan Africa. Our mission is to scale business platforms while generating sustainable economic impact.