Kakuzi Plc has reported a net profit of Ksh 295.5 million in its half-year trading results, buoyed by revenue growth and diversification efforts.
The firm’s total revenue rose to Ksh 1.51 billion in the period under review, up from Ksh 1.17 billion recorded in the same period last year.
Kakuzi Managing Director Chris Flowers said the company has implemented strategic operating measures to navigate a challenging business environment.
“The year-to-date trading in our two core crops is in line with expectations. The international avocado market has been well supplied, with price levels reflecting this situation,” Mr. Flowers said. He added: “The earlier experienced shipping route challenges are also beginning to stabilise with an increasing number of voyages returning to the Red Sea routing.”
Avocado, the company’s flagship crop, recorded a half-year profit of Ksh 395 million compared to Ksh 951 million posted in 2024. Mr. Flowers attributed the decline to lower crop valuation in 2025.
He noted that, unlike last year, when international markets were undersupplied, this year has seen higher volumes, resulting in lower prices. By the close of the reporting period, Kakuzi had exported 165 containers equivalent to 801,840 cartons of avocados mainly to European markets, which are also receiving fruit from Peru, South Africa and Colombia.
Meanwhile, the macadamia division registered strong growth, posting a half-year profit of Ksh 319 million, a sharp rise from Ksh 32 million in the same period last year. Blueberry production also improved, turning profitable with a Ksh 13 million gain, compared to a Ksh 17 million loss in 2024.
“This (blueberry) business venture is now profitable, recording a half-year profit of Ksh 13 million compared to a Ksh 17 million loss for the same period last year,” Mr. Flowers said.
He stressed that the company remains committed to diversifying operations while upholding responsible business practices. “Our operating mandate is firmly rooted in our purpose of ‘Growing Together’, lifting others as we grow through a process of meaningful stakeholder engagement,” he said.
Mr. Flowers also raised concerns over recent land invasions on the company’s property. “The actions have occasioned massive environmental damage and raised security tensions among the local community. We are, however, pursuing legal remedies and redress available to us, to secure shareholder rights and avoid attempts to expropriate or erode the value of our shareholder assets,” he said.
According to Mr. Flowers, Kakuzi’s growth and diversification strategy is aligned with contributing to the development of Murang’a County and the national economy through job creation and foreign exchange earnings.
