Sotik Tea Company is stepping beyond its traditional tea business into fresh berry production, betting on agricultural diversification to open new export opportunities, create jobs and attract investment.
The company unveiled Sotik Fresh Berries on Monday, October 19, 2026, marking a new chapter in its efforts to expand its agricultural portfolio and tap into growing international markets.
With the launch, fresh produce moves into the spotlight as Kenya continues to explore ways of broadening its agricultural exports beyond established cash crops.
Special Economic Zones Authority (SEZA) Chief Executive Officer Kenneth Chelule welcomed the move, noting that diversifying agricultural production could strengthen the country’s value chains while reducing dependence on a single crop.
According to a statement shared during the launch, initiatives supporting different agricultural products have created 300 jobs, with 15 counties benefiting from the programmes.
Chelule said investments of this nature could also accelerate industrialisation and draw more international investors into Kenya’s agricultural sector.
Sotik Group Chief Executive Officer Guillym Chambers described the establishment of Sotik Fresh Special Economic Zone as a significant milestone for the local business community and the country’s investment landscape.
READ:
Expansion is expected to widen the company’s reach into international markets while creating opportunities to add value to locally produced agricultural goods.
Its fresh produce operations include blueberries and blackberries, alongside avocados destined for markets in Europe and Asia. Sotik also works with smallholder farmers and cooperatives to encourage diversification and broaden participation in export oriented agriculture.
Government representatives also reiterated the importance of supporting businesses seeking to expand their operations.
National Land Commission Commissioner Vincent Kigen reaffirmed the government’s commitment to creating a favourable environment for investment, while Kenya Export Promotion and Branding Agency Chairman Dennis Mwirigi highlighted the role of collaboration in promoting Kenyan products and connecting businesses with international buyers.
This berry venture comes at a time when access to export markets and the ability to diversify agricultural production remain important considerations for Kenya’s economic growth.
Regional trade continues to offer opportunities for Kenyan producers. A 2025 Kenya National Bureau of Statistics survey found that Ethiopia and Uganda accounted for approximately 83 per cent of Kenya’s informal exports in June 2025, underlining the importance of neighbouring markets alongside opportunities further afield.
By Lizzy Aluga
Get more stories from our website: Sacco Review.
For comments and clarifications, write to: Saccoreview@
Kindly follow us via our social media pages on Facebook: Sacco Review Newspaper for timely updates
Stay ahead of the pack! Grab the latest Sacco Review newspaper!
