DOB Equity continues rapid expansion of health conscious agri portfolio with investment in Kentaste
Investment into Kentaste – the leading coconut processing company in Kenya
Substantial environmental and social impact through small-holder farmer support programs
DOB Equity, a leading Dutch family-backed impact investor in East Africa, has invested in Coconut Holdings Limited, producer and owner of the Kentaste range of coconut-based products, to help it capitalize on the fast-growing demand for health conscious coconut products.
The investment in Coconut Holdings adds to DOB Equity’s health conscious agri portfolio, following their recent investment in Ten Senses Africa, the organic macadamia nut producer and processing company.
Coconut Holdings owns and operates two coconut processing facilities on Kenya’s coast and is the largest producer of coconut oil, milk and cream in Kenya. It targets both the food and personal care market. The business purchases coconuts from small-holder farmers of which 1500 are organic and fair trade certified, and sells its products through the Kentaste brand. The investment will allow the company to expand its processing facilities, launch new products and further develop its sales across the wider East Africa region.
The Kenyan Government has acknowledged the potential of the coconut farming and processing sector as a ‘sleeping giant’ of the economy. It estimates that it could potentially add over KES 25 billion to the national economy annually. As a result, the Government has looked to revitalize the coastal coconut industry by working with farmers to plant more coconut seedlings in order to improve local livelihoods and boost economic development.
DOB Equity adds that coconut farming and processing has a significant social impact. It provides small-holder coastal farmers with additional income, increases employment throughout the value chain from harvesting to processing and produces nutritious and healthy products for consumers.
Brigit van Dijk – van de Reijt, CEO of DOB Equity, says: “As the largest coconut processor in Kenya, Kentaste is well-positioned to benefit from the fast-growth demand for healthy products.”
“Coconut processing is a zero-waste business, and along with the substantial social impact it has on farmers, the investment fits perfectly in DOB Equity’s portfolio.”
Hayo Afman, Portfolio Director of DOB Equity, comments: “The coconut tree is one of the most useful trees in the world due to its versatility, providing both nutritional and functional uses. It can provide food and drink as well as a livelihood.”
“Furthermore, coconut processing results in multiple by-products that can be used as input for other value chains, such as natural fibers for ropes, brushes or mats, coco peat for nurseries and charcoal for filters or fuel.”
Kyle Denning, CEO of Coconut Holdings, comments: “We are very pleased and looking forward to working with DOB Equity on the expansion of our business. We have an ambitious growth trajectory and to unlock the full potential throughout the value chain, we need a financing partner that understands what it takes to secure sourcing, improve the process and enter new markets.”
About DOB Equity
DOB Equity is a Dutch, family-backed impact investment firm that invests in impactful and innovative businesses in East Africa, with offices in Nairobi, Dar es Salaam and in the Netherlands. DOB Equity invests equity and offers tailored financing, access to international networks and technical assistance to meet the needs of the business. With a portfolio of fast-growing companies in the East African energy, agriculture, education, retail and distribution sectors, DOB Equity is determined to further expand its presence and impact in the region.
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Anne-Marie van Kleef
DOB Equity
info@dobequity.nl
Tel: +31 (0)57 863 111