In the bustling markets of Kenya, where fresh produce changes hands daily, Twiga Foods has become a beacon of innovation and hope for smallholder farmers and vendors alike. Founded in 2014 by Grant Brooke and Peter Njonjo, Twiga Foods emerged with a vision to revolutionize the agricultural supply chain, ensuring that fresh produce could move efficiently from farms to city markets.
A Humble Beginning
Twiga’s journey began with a simple yet profound idea: connect banana farmers in rural Kenya directly with vendors in the cities. By cutting out the middlemen, Twiga ensured that farmers received a fair price for their hard work, and vendors could access fresh produce at competitive rates. This model quickly gained traction, and Twiga expanded its range to include tomatoes, onions, and potatoes.
The initial success of Twiga Foods wasn’t just about business; it was about transforming lives. For many smallholder farmers, the introduction of Twiga meant the difference between struggling to sell their crops and having a reliable, steady income. The stories of farmers who could finally afford to send their children to school or invest in better farming equipment became common as Twiga’s network grew.
Recognizing the potential to scale this model, Twiga attracted significant investment. In 2019, a landmark moment arrived when the company secured $23.75 million in a Series B funding round led by Goldman Sachs. This funding wasn’t just a financial milestone; it was a validation of Twiga’s vision and impact .
With this investment, Twiga expanded its operations, embracing technology to streamline processes further. The launch of a mobile app allowed vendors to order produce with just a few clicks, ensuring they received fresh supplies promptly. Twiga’s trucks, a common sight on Kenyan roads, became symbols of reliability and efficiency in the agricultural sector.
In recent years, Twiga hasn’t rested on its laurels. The company has embraced cutting-edge technology, piloting blockchain initiatives to enhance transparency in the supply chain. This ensures that every tomato, onion, or banana’s journey from farm to market is tracked, providing assurance of quality and safety.
Twiga has also diversified its services, offering microloans and insurance products to farmers. This financial support helps farmers invest in their operations, weather unexpected challenges, and secure their futures. The impact of these services is profound, as farmers can now take calculated risks and improve their livelihoods with greater confidence.
Twiga’s ambitions don’t stop at Kenya’s borders. The company is exploring opportunities in Uganda and Tanzania, aiming to replicate its success in other regions. This expansion is driven by the same mission that started Twiga: to create efficient, fair, and reliable supply chains that benefit both farmers and vendors.
At its core, Twiga Foods is more than a business. It’s a story of transformation, of connecting people, and of making a tangible difference in everyday lives. The testimonies from farmers who have seen their incomes grow and from vendors who can now rely on a steady supply of fresh produce are the true measure of Twiga’s success.
As Twiga continues to grow and innovate, it remains a shining example of how technology and thoughtful business practices can come together to create lasting, positive change. With every delivery made, Twiga Foods is not just moving produce; it’s building a future where everyone in the supply chain thrives.
