History
We embrace entrepreneurship, excellence, innovation, and sustainable organic growth
Entrepreneurship, excellence, innovation, and vision are the core tenets of Mavuno. We exist to bring superior organic and other GAP-certified produce and value to our planet and those who call it home.
From a tiny seedling with a big dream to a thriving and ever-expanding powerhouse in Kenyan organic produce, Mavuno’s story is one of family, expertise, tenacity, and growth.
A family-owned and family-oriented venture
Mavuno’s first chapter began in 2015 when Anthony and June Ngugi had the seed of an idea. Anthony had spent almost two decades working deep within Kenya’s horticultural export sector, on-farm and in the packhouse. Having majored in organics, he realised Kenya was home to a remarkable and unrealised opportunity. The opportunity to share the country’s rich natural harvest ethically, sustainably, and organically. The seed was planted, and from it grew Mavuno.
With Anthony’s first-hand experience in bio-intensive agriculture and June’s unshakeable spirit (and impeccable cooking) fortifying the team, the Mavuno family soon grew from two visionary founders to an extended family tree of farmers, growers, and workers. Each has played an all-important role in shaping the Mavuno we know and love today.
Influencing the industry with our organic vision
Blazing the trail is always challenging
The road to organics was riddled with obstacles, and overcoming them was no small feat. Mavuno began at a time when organic produce was thought to be impossible. Constraints, certifications, trading, red tape and roadblocks were waiting at every turn.
Always committed to our core mission and organic vision, we ploughed ahead. We leapt hurdles, crossed finish lines, and made gains. Since our inception, we’ve evolved from leasing to owning our world-class facilities. We ensure we retain total control over our operations and that every one of the exotic fruits we produce is authentically organic. For instances where we have conventional, especially the ‘conversion,’ they are GAP certified.
“And, when you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it.”
Paolo Coelho’s “The Alchemist”
As our produce continues to grow and thrive, so do we
For Mavuno, the above quote from Paolo Coelho’s ‘The Alchemist’ rings loud and true. As we continued our mission, the stars in Kenya’s velvet skies aligned, and Mavuno took flight. Our superior organic exports piqued the interest of some of Europe’s leading organic importers. With their partnership and support, our dream was conjured into reality.
Kenya’s emerging organic industry has recently exploded onto the world stage. Organic avocados produced from the nutrient-rich soil of Kenya’s highlands, valleys, coasts, and slopes are among the most highly demanded in the world.
We are now leading a thousands-strong and forever-expanding network of farmers united by a shared vision of sustainability, innovation, and standards that stretch beyond the horizon. Together, we’re forging an industry committed to bettering its local communities, providing career pathways, giving back, and enhancing socioeconomic well-being.
The incredible people behind Mavuno
A bright horizon for Mavuno
From our earliest days, Mavuno has always looked beyond the now and towards the potential for what could be. Gazing into the years ahead, the future is overflowing with opportunity.
We will continue to seek new and innovative ways to fold cutting-edge tools and techniques into our everyday processes. We will grow our team of the best and brightest agronomical minds. We will employ the latest technologies to enhance every element of our business, and we will continue to build our brand and new products like the frozen range HPP and IQF avocados and mangos into the world’s most well-recognised and well-loved organic produce company.
We will do all this while staying vital and true to our fundamental spirit, values, and mission. To produce healthier food, develop skilled people, grow our economy, and protect our precious environment.