Agribusiness firm Sasini Plc has put its Nairobi-based avocado processing and packing facility up for sale, a move that signals a possible rethink of its horticultural expansion.
The company, through its subsidiary Sasini Avocado EPZ Limited, is inviting bids for the modern plant located at Sameer Industrial Park along Mombasa Road. Commissioned in 2021, the facility is still relatively new and ready for immediate use.
In a public tender notice, the firm said, “Sasini Avocado EPZ Limited… invites sealed tenders from eligible and qualified bidders for the purchase of a modern avocado processing and packing plant located at Sameer Industrial Park.”
The company added that the facility enjoys easy access to major transport routes, making it suitable for export handling and distribution.
The plant is built for large-scale operations, with a four-lane packing line capable of handling up to eight tonnes of avocados per hour. It also includes a cold storage system that can hold up to four export containers at a time, allowing for efficient handling of fresh produce.
According to the notice, the sale will be conducted on an “as-is, where-is” basis, with buyers given the option of acquiring it either as a going concern or simply purchasing the assets. “The plant is offered for sale on an ‘as-is, where-is’ basis, either as a going concern or as an asset acquisition,” the notice stated.
While Sasini did not directly give reasons for the sale, recent developments suggest the company has been facing pressure in its avocado business. Global shipping disruptions, particularly along the Red Sea route, have forced vessels to take longer routes, increasing costs and delivery times for exporters.
This has affected export volume, with the company shipping significantly fewer containers than in the previous year. Longer transit times have also impacted the quality of fresh produce reaching key markets, making the business less competitive.
Sasini entered the avocado segment between 2017 and 2020 as part of a wider plan to diversify beyond its traditional tea and coffee businesses.
The firm had been working to build an integrated value chain, from farming to processing and export, while also sourcing produce from outgrower farmers.
The Nairobi facility has been central to that strategy, serving as a key hub for sorting, packing and preparing avocados for international markets. Its sale now raises questions about the company’s long-term commitment to the horticulture segment.
The development comes at a time when Sasini has just returned to profitability. For the financial year ending September 2025, the company posted a net profit of Sh188 million, a turnaround from a loss of Sh562.9 million the previous year, supported by stronger performance in its core businesses.
The planned disposal of the avocado plant could reshape Sasini’s agribusiness portfolio as it reassesses its investments and focuses on areas delivering more stable returns. At the same time, the facility is expected to attract interest from investors looking to tap into Kenya’s growing avocado export market.
Leave a comment