Uganda has launched its first export consignment of processed canned pineapples to China, marking a major step in agro-industrialisation and value addition.
The shipment consists of 140 metric tonnes of canned pineapples processed by Deshiburg Fruits International Co. Ltd., a subsidiary operating under the China-Uganda Agriculture Cooperation Industrial Park managed by Kehong Group.
Kehong Group signed a memorandum of understanding with Uganda’s Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries in 2015 to invest US$220 million in commercial agriculture, value addition, job creation and export development.
The company committed itself to transforming Uganda’s agricultural sector through technology transfer, processing and market access.
The canned pineapple project falls under the second phase of the industrial park dedicated to agro-processing.
The factory is located in Luwero district, one of Uganda’s major pineapple-growing areas.
Deshiburg became the first company in Uganda to establish a dedicated canned pineapple processing plant. The company uses the Smooth Cayenne pineapple variety known for its sweetness and processes products without artificial preservatives.
The plant can process up to 500 tonnes of pineapples daily sourced from local farmers.
The first shipment included four containers carrying 140 metric tonnes of canned pineapple destined for the Chinese market.
The project also supports more than 1,500 out-grower farmers from Luwero, Nakasongola, Nakaseke and Kayunga districts who supply pineapples to the factory.
Officials described the export as a major breakthrough in Uganda’s efforts to shift from exporting raw agricultural products to processed goods with higher value.
The initiative also reflects growing agricultural cooperation between Uganda and China under the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation.
While flagging off the consignment, Agriculture minister Frank Tumwebaze said the factory would increase demand for pineapples and help farmers overcome market challenges linked to perishable produce.
Tumwebaze said the development should encourage farmers to increase production to meet processing demand.
He urged political leaders and agricultural extension workers to guide farmers toward intentional farming aimed at meeting market demand sustainably.
“The excuses of no markets for agricultural produce is no more with this revolution of agro-industrialisation,” Tumwebaze said.
He also encouraged Ugandans to produce food for home consumption and for domestic, regional and international markets while following accepted standards.
Uganda continues to attract investment in agriculture due to its fertile land and favourable climate.
