Growing beyond the pineapple fields: How Del Monte Kenya is empowering local suppliers to dream big

It’s a beautiful relationship that has ensured the pineapple story continues to be told in Kenya and beyond.

The Thika-based company’s supplier ecosystem is largely local, with the goal of integrating suppliers into its extensive supply chain which aims to advance the circular economy by sourcing goods and services locally.

Suppliers to Del Monte Kenya include cleaning and landscaping services, spares for equipment, healthcare services, motor vehicles, packaging materials, security, transport services and a wide range of other services that have to be sourced locally.

This robust local supply ecosystem is the fuel that powers Del Monte Kenya – a company that employs over 7,000 individuals directly.

According to Grace Regeru, the Senior Buyer at Del Monte Kenya, the wider community of Thika and the surrounding has continued to benefit immensely from dealing with Del Monte Kenya.

“Local suppliers have an upper hand as they are able to provide required services since they are locally based. They are able to deliver a wide range of goods and services in a timely manner,” says Grace.

“It is important to note that Del Monte pays promptly for goods and services rendered as per specifications hence, does not push local suppliers and vendors into bankruptcy.  The suppliers have great confidence in Del Monte,” says Grace.

Del Monte Kenya has a supportive working environment that enables suppliers and vendors to do their work efficiently and grow while at it. In the same breath – local suppliers are expected to provide a work environment that offers equal opportunity to its employees; one in which each employee is treated with dignity and respect.

It’s a sentiment Samuel Mwaura, the Project Manager with Cascade Catering Ltd, which offers catering services at Del Monte Kenya Limited.

“Cascade has been working with Del Monte, offering catering services for more than 10 years now,” says Mwaura.

“Our company has employed 40 people working in the catering service here at Del Monte,” notes Mwaura – adding that they serve an average of 2,000 meals daily – especially during peak season.

Like other suppliers, Mwaura says the company has been exposed to international standards through constant trainings around good Human Resources practices, environmental sustainability practices, among others.

“As a company we are exposed and allowed to work with international or external auditors just to ensure we operate at the highest standards,” says Mwaura.

“Sometimes our staff, and many others from other suppliers, join together with Del Monte staff to undergo shared trainings in important and common areas of interest. This promotes oneness and unity of purpose towards good relationships at work,” says Mwaura.

Jennifer Wambui Njau, the Operation Director of Chania Cleaners Limited has been a supplier at Del Monte Kenya for over 10 years.

“Our company does landscape work, offers cleaning services and waste management at Del Monte,” says Wambui.

“Del Monte has lifted our standards as a supplier,” says Wambui.

Like many other suppliers of goods and services at Del Monte Kenya, Wambui and her staff have benefitted immensely from many trainings organised by Del Monte Kenya.

“I together with my staff have been trained on sustainability, resource management and environment. Del Monte observes high standards when it comes to environmental health and safety,” says Wambui who has over 50 people working at Del Monte Kenya through her company.

Suppliers sometimes take part in tree planting activities, in trainings to promote energy and water conservation is line with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Del Monte Kenya recently joined the United Nations Global Compact (UNGC), the world’s largest corporate sustainability initiative – a move expected to strengthen environmental accountability and ethical business practices.

“It’s not just suppliers – there are moments when the local suppliers and vendors join Del Monte family in planting trees in a unified goal to save and preserve the environment. As suppliers we are paid well, and in good time provided everything is in good order. It is very refreshing to work with a company like Del Monte because of their adherence to good standards,” says Mwaura.

The result has been a local relationship rooted in trust and shared growth for the common good of the community.