Farmer’s Choice traces its wider business roots to a small butchery established in Kenya in 1965, initially operating as East Africa Meat Products Limited. The business later underwent changes that led to the creation of the Farmer’s Choice brand.
In 1975, the Block Hotel Group established Kenya Meat Processors Ltd, a slaughter and processing facility intended to supply hotels with pork products. The development marked a shift from the earlier butchery operation towards organized meat processing.
The Block family acquired the business in 1978, after which it expanded its operations into meat processing. Sausage production began around 1979, with products including sausages, bacon, ham and pork.
In 1980, Kenya Meat Processors Ltd was renamed Farmer’s Choice Ltd, marking the formal establishment of the Farmer’s Choice brand. The company also obtained an export license that year.
Farmer’s Choice said its initial objective was to provide fresh and processed pork products to consumers across different income groups in Kenya. At the time, its product range included sausages, bacon, ham and pork.
During the mid-1980s, the company expanded into pig production and established a new butchery complex and slaughterhouse at Kahawa West, just outside Nairobi. The facility was developed with emphasis on quality control throughout the production process.
The company subsequently expanded its processing operations and obtained a license to export fresh and processed pork products to international markets, extending its business beyond the Kenyan market.
Ownership History Of Farmer’s Choice
In March 1989, Farmer’s Choice was acquired by the Lonrho Group, which initiated a further phase of development at the Kahawa West complex, including expansion of the processing plant.
In 2000, Industrial Promotion Services (IPS), the investment arm of the Aga Khan Fund for Economic Development (AKFED), acquired a majority stake in Farmer’s Choice.
Farmer’s Choice is privately held, meaning its complete current shareholder register and exact ownership percentages are not publicly disclosed.
The company later expanded beyond its original pork focus, adding products and operations involving beef, lamb, and poultry, while continuing its established range of sausages, bacon, ham, and other meat products.
Shareholders Behind IPS
IPS was established in the early 1960s by His Highness the Aga Khan to support industrial and infrastructure development, particularly in Africa and Asia.
In practical terms, IPS invests in and supports businesses and projects across sectors such as manufacturing, infrastructure, energy, and other industries.
According to information published by the Aga Khan Development Network, following a 2003 capital increase, Industrial Promotion Services (IPS) had several shareholders.
The Aga Khan Fund for Economic Development (AKFED) and affiliated entities held 51% of IPS, making them the largest shareholder group.
The International Finance Corporation (IFC) held 15%, while DEG, Deutsche Investitions- und Entwicklungsgesellschaft mbH, held 14.5%. The remaining 19.5% was held by other institutional and individual investors.
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