Premier Foods Wholesale, a supplier of fresh produce in the UK, has unveiled a mechanized packhouse in Kigali's special economic zone. This facility, operated by Premier Wholesale & Jameela, a subsidiary, has a daily fruit processing capacity of 40 tons. It aims to enhance the export capabilities of Rwanda's agricultural sector through the farm-to-fork initiative. The packhouse is designed to automate sorting, grading, and packaging processes, which is expected to reduce labor costs and improve the quality of fruit exports.
Grant Hibbert, Managing Director of Premier Wholesale & Jameela, highlighted the facility's advanced processing lines, which incorporate automated grading systems to sort produce by weight and size, thus ensuring consistent quality. The range of products handled includes avocados, French beans, mangetout, snow peas, passion fruit, and strawberries. Hibbert emphasized the broader commitment to leveraging market expertise, premium retail requirements understanding, and technological capabilities to support Rwanda's agricultural sector's transformation.
An in-house technology platform has been developed to offer an integrated solution aimed at transforming traditional farming through a digital ecosystem. This includes creating digital wallets, voucher distribution, and a credit scoring platform for farmers, facilitating financial inclusion and streamlined market access. The platform also offers extension services like satellite-based soil analysis and smart marketplace solutions, such as e-commerce and commodity exchange capabilities.
Robert Rukundo, Chairman of the Horticulture Export Association of Rwanda (HEAR), expressed optimism that the new facility would enhance fruit export quality. He noted the efficiency gains from mechanized sorting and grading, which could significantly reduce the time and labor costs associated with manual processes. Rukundo also mentioned the potential for the packhouse to improve branding for both the country and the companies involved.
The High Commissioner of the UK to Rwanda, Alison Thorpe, indicated that the facility would help Rwanda capitalize on its counter-seasonal advantage to European producers, filling crucial supply gaps in UK supermarkets. Thorpe highlighted the opportunities for Rwanda's exporters in the post-Brexit landscape, with the UK's Developing Countries Trading Scheme eliminating tariffs on agricultural exports and British retail chains seeking new suppliers for premium fresh produce.
Source: KT Press