Government is planning to expand and modernize Soroti fruit factory in partnership with Chimaki Agro Investments Ltd, an Ethiopian firm led by former First Lady Azeb Mesfin Zenawi as part of the efforts to boost Uganda’s fruit processing sector.
Uganda is currently the second largest producer of fresh fruits and vegetables in East Africa, producing about 5.3 million tonnes a year. With this strong agricultural potential, the planned upgrade is expected to increase value addition and improve market opportunities for farmers, especially in the Teso region.
The fresh fruits market in Uganda is experiencing subdued growth, influenced by factors such as changing consumer preferences, fluctuating agricultural yields and competition from imported fruits which challenge local producers in maintaining market share and pricing.
Consumers in Uganda’s fresh fruits market are increasingly prioritizing health and wellness leading to a growing demand for organic and locally sourced fruits.
Finance ministry permanent secretary and secretary to the Treasury (PSST), Ramathan Ggoobi, revealed that the project will cost about $30 million and will take two years to complete once construction begins.
He made the announcement during a visit to Soroti Fruits Ltd, with his colleagues where he was assessing the factory’s performance following a directive from President Yoweri Museveni.
Ggoobi noted improvements under the new management arrangement and applauded the Ethiopian partners for their contribution.
“This factory is changing the destiny of this region. We appreciate our Ethiopian partners for helping government run it more efficiently and turning it into a success story,” he said.
The planned expansion will introduce advanced technology, including an automatic bottling and packaging line, multi-fruit processing units and facilities for producing organic fertilizer and animal feeds.
These upgrades are expected to increase production capacity, improve product quality and widen market opportunities for fruit farmers in the Teso region and beyond.
Great news. Thanks a bunch Ethiopians. People of that region came from among you.