NAIROBI, Kenya- A group of Kakuzi Plc (NSE: KUKZ) shareholders has expressed support for the company’s ongoing diversification and expansion efforts after a recent tour of the firm’s operations in Murang’a County.
As part of its strategy to stay competitive in the global agribusiness arena, Kakuzi is focusing on sustainability and technological integration, which its leadership believes will yield long-term benefits for both the company and its shareholders.
Kakuzi’s Managing Director, Chris Flowers, emphasized that the company’s Kshs 100 million investment next year will anchor its sustainability-driven agricultural portfolio.
This expansion will involve integrating Agricultural Technology (Ag-Tech), enhancing water management practices, and reducing carbon emissions and waste.
On the horizon are new crops like blueberries and an expanded livestock offering, which will diversify the company’s income streams and further strengthen its position as a superfoods producer.
“We are committed to diversifying not only for export but for local and regional markets as well,” Flowers said. “The addition of blueberries alongside our current avocado and macadamia crops opens up new opportunities, especially as we target markets in Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and beyond.”
This diversification comes at a time when Kakuzi is navigating complex challenges like climate change and global logistics disruptions, which have made agriculture less predictable. Still, Flowers is confident that these strategic moves will help minimize shareholder risks while maximizing returns.
During the tour, Kakuzi’s Board Chairman, Nicholas Ng’ang’a, highlighted the importance of engaging shareholders directly.
“Our shareholders are key stakeholders, and we are proud to showcase how their investments contribute to a sustainable future,” Ng’ang’a said.
The visit is part of Kakuzi’s broader effort to deepen investor relations and keep shareholders informed about the company’s growth trajectory.
Ng’ang’a also emphasized how Kakuzi has evolved from a simple farming operation into a global agribusiness player.
The firm’s use of climate-smart agriculture, particularly in managing water resources and reducing environmental impact, is a critical part of its long-term sustainability goals.
As of December 2023, Kakuzi’s shareholder base grew to 1,395, up from 1,362 the previous year.
The majority are local individual investors, holding more than 8 million shares collectively. This growing investor confidence is a testament to the company’s transparent operations and future growth prospects.
With market diversification in full swing, Kakuzi is poised to capitalize on domestic and international demand for superfoods. From avocado and macadamia to the possible introduction of blueberries, the company’s expanding portfolio ensures that it remains agile in the face of unpredictable market conditions.
