Nuts firm now goes green with eco-mattresses

A macadamia farmer. The nuts processor hopes to tap into its 50,000-strong farmers for quick uptake of its new brand of mattresses. [photo: file/standard]

Thika-based macadamia nuts processor Jungle Nuts has invested Sh100 million to manufacture mattresses and eco-pillows.

The new venture seeks to diversify the firm’s products portfolio and scale up its revenue streams.

Chief Executive Patrick Wainaina said yesterday the investment will be implemented based on market demand and opportunities both in Kenya and across the region. The mattress brand will be known as Jungle Foam.

“We are targeting over 50,000 loyal macadamia farmers who are under our programme as well as individuals and organisations both in Kenya and beyond who may want to buy from us. Our distribution cuts across both major cities and even small towns across the country,’’ said Mr Wainaina in an interview.

“Currently, we produce 600 mattresses per day and 300 eco-pillows in all the densities.’’

He said the firm recycles plastic waste which it uses to come up with the eco-friendly brands that are relatively cheaper compared with other brands. Jungle Foam factory currently employs 300 staff.

“We see the numbers going up based on the market penetration we have achieved so far and also the fact that locally, this kind of investment is determined by price, comfort and accessibility, an issue we have already addressed,’’ said Mr Wainaina.

Kenyan’s mattresses sector is a competitive segment dominated by such brands as Slumberland Kenya, Bobmill Industries, Foam Mattresses, Vitafoam Products and Superfoam who are the top tier manufacturers.

Other emerging manufacturers include Rongai Mattresses, Naivasha Mattresses and Eastleigh Mattresses.

There has been an outcry from genuine manufacturers over rising cases of counterfeiting of their brands by rogue dealers and manufacturers who end up eating into their profits.

Jungle Nuts has been deepening its investment through its subsidiaries to boost its revenues. Other ventures that the firm has launched recently include Jungle Housing that has interest in real estate targeting low-income earners, Jungle Energy that deals with the manufacturing of both wooden and concrete poles as well as Jungle Organic and Jungle Foundation.

The company recently entered into processing edible macadamia nut oil through a Sh100 million investment, targeting the European market in a sector dominated by Bidco Oil Refineries, Kapa Oil Refineries and Menengai Oil Refineries.