Listed food processing firm Unga Group on Thursday announced strategic plans to capture a larger share of the local packaged consumer staple foods market by re-introducing an expanded range of nutritious products under its popular Amana brand.
The re-launch of Amana products, first introduced in 2014, is part of a Sh521 million three-year market repositioning project by the firm pursuing a comprehensive food strategy to boost its corporate value and return on investment for its shareholders with a diversified portfolio of value-added products.
State Department for Crop Development Principal Secretary Phillip Kello Harsama said the government will consider a petition to classify white maize exclusively for human consumption and yellow maize for animal feeds.
Such a classification, he noted, will reduce the prevailing raw material pressure for both human and animal feeds as both compete for white maize supplies. The government, he added, is also encouraging farmers to grow alternative animal feed and edible oil crops to bridge the current local production deficit.
As part of the corporate revamp, Unga Group is repositioning itself as a holistic food company through strategic joint ventures and partnerships.
The fast-growing Amana brand, which currently features pulses including yellow beans, Black Beans, Rosecoco beans, Nyayo beans, Green Grams, Basmati and Pishori rice, will now feature an expanded portfolio including Premium Sugar, long grain rice, and soon pasta; progressively introduced to the local market.
As consumers strive to enrich their dietary diversity, pulses have gained popularity as superfoods naturally loaded with high levels of dietary fibre, vitamins, minerals, phytochemicals, and complex carbohydrates.
Besides the nutritional benefits, pulses also assist in improving digestion, reducing blood glucose, minimizing inflammation, lowering blood cholesterol, and preventing chronic health issues such as diabetes, heart disease and obesity.
Unga Group Managing Director Joseph Choge said the firm is banking on the growing demand for nutritious foods, including pulses and wholegrain value-added products in its corporate growth plans.
Choge said Unga is striving to deliver the best quality brands that offer great value for money and are trusted for consumer satisfaction.
“As a fully integrated foods business engaged in the manufacturing, processing, and trade of food products, we sought to create value propositions that inspire moments of togetherness,” he said.
Choge added that the firm is aligning its growth plans to emerging market trends inspired by changing dietary needs and increased demand for nutritious foods.
“The demand for quality nutritious packaged staple foods including pulses, cereals and related products in the local retail market is growing at a rate of more than 30% annually due to increased health consciousness,” Choge said.
“The re-introduction of Amana with a clear retail go to market strategy is one of our corporate priorities at Unga in our product diversification strategy beyond maize, porridge and wheat flour products, as we seek to maximize value for our customers and shareholders.”
The re-introduction of Amana, Choge added, will also positively impact local farmers as the company will prioritize local sourcing for all its products.
“This launch epitomizes the enduring principles that Amana has always stood for, representing excellence in every sense of the word. Trust Amana to bring you the best quality, unbeatable value for money, and the satisfaction that comes from a brand that truly cares about your culinary experiences.”
Choge also noted that Unga has recently invested and partnered with various entities with state-of-the-art processing facilities for consumer-packaged foods incorporating a certified laboratory, sorting, polishing, and packaging machines.
The firm has adopted contemporary sales capabilities, including an online sales platform to complement its route-to-market options such as Wholesalers, Supermarkets and Dukas.
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