Del Monte Kenya, a long-time player in pineapple farming and processing, is expanding into sustainability by acquiring 100% of MFL. The acquisition will help Del Monte increase its capacity to process agricultural waste into high value eco-friendly products like textile grade pineapple fibre, compost and biochar.
In its review, CAK has concluded that the transaction does not pose a threat to competition or public interest. CAK said on May 5th that the merger will not distort the competitive landscape as the market structure remains the same: “The seller exits and the buyer enters. There’s no increase in market share, hence no substantial lessening of competition,” CAK explained.
MFL: Turning Pineapple Waste into Opportunity
Mananasi Fibre Limited is known for its innovative use of pineapple plant waste, converting it into sustainable materials. Its core activities include pineapple fibre extraction, organic composting and biochar production – all key to reducing agricultural waste and promoting circular economy practices.
According to Del Monte’s submission to CAK, the acquisition is a major step towards achieving their long-term environmental sustainability goals. The company emphasized the need to develop responsible waste disposal solutions that meet global green standards.
No Job Losses, More Opportunities
Beyond competition concerns, CAK also evaluated the deal under public interest. The outcome is positive: the merger will create jobs while protecting small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) in the fibre and compost industries. CAK noted that MFL will continue to operate without interruption under new ownership.
Kenya’s Emerging Pineapple Waste Market
Kenya’s pineapple waste industry is still in its infancy, with only a few players driving innovation. In the fibre segment, companies like Pine Kazi and Eco Nasi are exploring textile applications, while TakaTaka Solutions and Garbage.Com are active in composting. In biochar, MFL competes with Cookswell Jikos and Biochar Life.