Nairobi Securities Exchange-listed agribusiness firm Kakuzi Plc has reported a net profit of KSh295.5 million (US$2.29 million) in its half-year 2025 trading results. Total revenue for the period grew to KSh1.51 billion (US$11.72 million), up from KSh1.17 billion (US$9.08 million) in the same period last year.
Kakuzi Managing Director Chris Flowers said the firm had adopted operational strategies to support growth in a challenging environment. "The year-to-date trading in our two core crops is in line with expectations. The international avocado market has been well supplied, with price levels reflecting this situation," Flowers said. He added that "the earlier experienced shipping route challenges are also beginning to stabilise with an increasing number of voyages returning to the Red Sea routing."
Avocado, the company's flagship crop, recorded a half-year profit of KSh395 million (US$3.07 million), compared to KSh951 million (US$7.38 million) posted in 2024. The decrease was attributed to a lower crop valuation in 2025. Flowers explained that "the international avocado market has been well supplied, with price levels reflecting higher supply. Last year, the markets were undersupplied during the same period, which led to a corresponding higher price." By the close of the reporting period, Kakuzi had exported 165 containers (801,840 cartons) of avocados, mainly to European markets also supplied by Peru, South Africa, and Colombia.
The Macadamia division reported a half-year profit of KSh319 million (US$2.47 million), up from KSh32 million (US$0.25 million) during the same period last year, as the global macadamia market continues to expand. Blueberry production also increased as expected. "This (blueberry) business venture is now profitable, recording a half-year profit of KSh13 million (US$0.10 million) compared to a KSh17 million (US$0.13 million) loss for the same period last year," Flowers said.
He reiterated the Board's commitment to diversifying operations while maintaining a responsible business model. "Our operating mandate is firmly rooted in our purpose of 'Growing Together', lifting others as we grow through a process of meaningful stakeholder engagement," he said.
Flowers also addressed recent land invasion cases. "The actions have occasioned massive environmental damage and raised security tensions among the local community. We are, however, pursuing legal remedies and redress available to us, to secure shareholder rights and avoid attempts to expropriate or erode the value of our shareholder assets," he assured Kakuzi shareholders.
Source: Kahawa Tungu