Wambugu Apples entrepreneur ventures into post-harvest losses management

Kate Wambugu decided to follow in her father’s footsteps and get into apple farming and value addition. 

The director and Wambugu Apples ambassador is hoping to get into grading and packing of apples for the local and international market.

Kate started by reflecting on her younger years, watching and learning from her father Wambugu, who founded Wambugu Apples.

“I grew up seeing my father propagate apples, grow them and establish this one-of-a-kind variety of apple that fruits all year round. This meant that he had to constantly look for a market for his fruits, the losses were immeasurable,” she said.

This remarkable journey led to the apple being officially registered under Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate (KEPHIS) as Wambugu Apples.

There are more than 2,500 farmers growing Wambugu Apples in Kenya, and 36 other countries in Africa and regions beyond, in Caribbean, and Asian regions.

“That exposure, nearly 40 years ago, is our current motivation to build upon my father’s vision of Wambugu Apples,” Kate said.

She was speaking during the launch of Wambugu Apples Grading and Packing Warehouse at the Infinity Industrial Park- Off the Eastern Bypass.

Kate said the fruit grading and packing warehouse will mark a significant leap forward in the agricultural sector.

“This boasts an impressive packing line with a capacity of 10 tonnes per hour, operating around the clock to meet the demands of the growing fruit market,” she said.

The pack house addresses these issues head-on, providing a platform for efficient and effective post-harvest management.

Kenya Apple Growers and Exporters Association chairman Mathew Njenga said the packing line's exceptional throughput of 10-15 tonnes per hour ensures efficiency in processing and packaging fruits, providing a streamlined solution for farmers and distributors.

The facility is the first of its kind in Africa, given its capability to grade and pack a diverse range of fruits, including avocados, apples, mangoes, passion fruits, peaches, pears, apricots and tomatoes.

“This broad-spectrum capability positions Wambugu Apples as a comprehensive solution for farmers cultivating various fruits. This investment has been made possible through debt financing from Diamond Trust Bank of Half 1 million Dollars 500,000$," he said. 

"The warehouse's operations are designed not only to enhance the economic prospects of farmers but also to promote environmentally conscious farming practices.” 

He further underscored the importance of fruit farming as a conservation agriculture intervention.

“Fruit cultivation contributes to soil health, biodiversity, and water conservation, aligning with sustainable agricultural practices,” Njenga said.

Kate said their vision is going beyond mere grading. 

“Wambugu Apples aims to become a hub for value addition, exploring opportunities to process and package fruit-based products,” she said.

Kate said the strategic vision aligns with the broader goal of adding significant value to the agricultural supply chain, benefitting both farmers and consumers.

“This investment has come to fruition following multi-stakeholder engagements that range from government, learning, development and financial institutions. To Wambugu Apples, this blend is our recipe on the role collaborations have in steering growth and impact,” she said.

Dr Betty Kibaara, director- Rockefeller Foundation, said the launch of the Wambugu Apples Grading and Packing Warehouse marks a pivotal moment in the agricultural landscape.

“It symbolises a commitment to innovation, sustainability, and the prosperity of farmers. As the facility commences operations, Wambugu Apples Limited will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of post-harvest management and create socio-economic impact for value-chain actors,” she said.