Securities Exchange (NSE)-listed agribusiness firm Kakuzi Plc has posted a net profit of Ksh 295.5 million in its half-year trading results for 2025, buoyed by revenue growth and diversification despite challenges in its flagship avocado division.
Revenue Growth to Ksh 1.5 Billion
During the period under review, Kakuzi’s total revenue rose to Ksh 1.51 billion, up from Ksh 1.17 billion recorded in the same period last year.
Managing Director Chris Flowers attributed the growth to strategic operational adjustments and steady performance across the firm’s diversified crop portfolio.
“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, noting that global shipping disruptions were beginning to ease.
Avocado Profits Decline on Market Oversupply
Kakuzi’s avocado division, the company’s flagship crop, reported a half-year profit of Ksh 395 million, a decline from the Ksh 951 million posted in 2024.
Flowers explained that the dip was due to lower crop valuations and increased global supply.
By mid-year, the company had exported 165 containers (801,840 cartons) of avocados, mainly to European markets, which are also sourcing fruit from Peru, South Africa, and Colombia.
Macadamia and Blueberries Drive Diversification
The company’s macadamia division delivered strong performance, recording a half-year profit of Ksh 319 million, up sharply from Ksh 32 million in the same period last year.
Similarly, Kakuzi’s blueberry venture turned profitable for the first time, reporting a Ksh 13 million half-year profit compared to a Ksh 17 million loss in 2024.
“This (blueberry) business venture is now profitable, recording a half-year profit of Ksh 13 million compared to a Ksh 17 million loss for the same period last year,” Flowers confirmed.
Focus on Responsible Business and Community Engagement
Flowers reiterated the firm’s commitment to a responsible business model and stakeholder engagement under its guiding principle of “Growing Together.”
“Our operating mandate is firmly rooted in our purpose of lifting others as we grow, through meaningful stakeholder engagement,” he said.
Land Invasion Concerns
Despite the positive financial results, Flowers raised concerns over recent land invasions by unscrupulous individuals, which he said had caused environmental damage and heightened security tensions in local communities.
“We are 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 investors.
Contribution to Murang’a and the National Economy
Looking ahead, Flowers emphasised that Kakuzi’s growth and diversification strategy remains anchored in supporting Murang’a County and Kenya’s economy, through job creation and foreign exchange earnings.