Kerry’s East Africa Forum Gathers 100 F&B Leaders to Innovate

Kerry’s East Africa CEO Forum convened 100 top food and beverage industry leaders to explore ways to drive innovation and growth in the region. The event focused on collaborative strategies to reshape the F&B landscape through sustainability, local sourcing, health-focused solutions, and consumer-driven innovation. By fostering dialogue among key stakeholders, the forum aimed to address current challenges and uncover new opportunities that can transform the East African food and beverage sector for long-term impact.

In an effort to revolutionize the food and beverage industry in East Africa, Kerry, a global authority in taste and nutrition, partnered with the Strathmore Agri-Food Innovation Centre (SAFIC) at Strathmore University Business School to host the inaugural CEO Forum, gathering more than 100 key industry figures.

Under the theme ‘Insights and Innovations in the Food and Beverage Industry’, the forum served as a catalyst for fostering innovation, deepening collaborations between academia and industry, and encouraging sustainable economic progress throughout the region.

As Africa positions itself as a dynamic hub for food and beverage advancements, the forum united CEOs, government officials, scholars, and entrepreneurs to explore the sector’s opportunities and challenges. One of the main sessions featured a panel discussion on changing consumer habits, the role of sustainability as a market differentiator, the importance of resilient supply chains, new academic-industry partnership models, and how businesses can stay agile in an evolving marketplace.

Held at Strathmore University Business School, the event aligns with Kerry’s ongoing expansion in emerging markets, supported by a €1 billion investment and recent moves such as its entry into Rwanda in March 2025, bringing premium offerings closer to African producers.

Jad Neaime, general manager for Kerry Africa, emphasized the value of uniting diverse industry perspectives to find practical solutions to complex business issues. He noted that the CEO Forum highlights Kerry’s dedication to collaborative leadership and its role in raising industry benchmarks while supporting economic development across the continent. The company’s investments reflect a strong belief in Africa’s potential and a commitment to its food value chain.

Maris Evelyn, deputy head of Mission at the Embassy of Ireland to Kenya, praised the positive impact of Irish enterprises like Kerry in promoting sustainable development. She highlighted how Kerry’s growing presence in Africa not only boosts economic opportunities but also fosters cross-border learning and innovation, with the Embassy proudly backing these collaborative ventures.

Dr. Caesar Mwangi, executive dean of Strathmore Business School, stated that the school’s collaboration with Kerry demonstrates a commitment to turning academic research into practical solutions. He stressed that by bringing together top thinkers and decision-makers, the forum has ignited conversations that will shape the future of innovation in the regional food industry.

Professor Simon Nderitu, director of SAFIC, shared the centre’s mission to reform African food systems using private-sector-led strategies that are grounded in solid evidence.

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Source: fnb‍