As consumers seek to diversify their diets , pulses have gained popularity due to their status as superfoods , packed with high levels of dietary fibre , vitamins , minerals , phytochemicals , and complex carbohydrates . Beyond their nutritional advantages , pulses also contribute to improved digestion , blood glucose control , inflammation reduction , lower blood cholesterol , and the prevention of chronic health conditions like diabetes , heart disease , and obesity .
Given these benefits , Unga has recently reintroduced the Amana brand . The revival of Amana ® products , initially launched in 2015 , is part of a Kshs 521 million threeyear initiative to enhance our corporate value and deliver better returns for our shareholders .
The fast-growing Amana ® brand , which currently features pulses including Yellow beans , Black Beans , Rosecoco beans , Nyayo beans , Green Grams , Basmati and Pishori rice , will now feature an expanded portfolio including Premium Sugar , long grain rice , and spaghetti . These staple foods have been a cornerstone of our diets , providing valuable nutrients and energy to households nationwide .
A complete food basket under one brand
With the reintroduction of Amana , we are setting the pace for our strategic portfolio expansion and working to fix the marketing base that will allow Unga to play in a differentiated foods league .
The new strategic direction for Unga brings the convenience of a complete food basket under a single , trusted brand . We are better positioned today to provide the country with a delightful array of convenient , nutritious , and health-conscious options that embody the essence of the modern food experience .
With our diverse product offerings , all the critical food products are now available under a single trusted brand . But this isn ' t just about convenience . It ' s also about innovation to offer a comprehensive food basket and meet our customers ' diverse needs , enabling a holistic culinary experience .
This transition is also a testament to our commitment to remain at the forefront of the food industry . We are confident that by marrying our rich heritage with cuttingedge culinary advancements , we are poised to adapt to the times and thrive in them .
Shared value
The repositioning of Unga Group in the market represents a significant stride forward for the company . It holds the potential to create a positive ripple effect across the entire value chain . An example of this is our commitment to sourcing all pulses and rice under the Amana brands locally .
By opting for local sourcing , we not only bolster the livelihoods of our farmers but also champion sustainability , community development , and the preservation of our cultural heritage . Our decision to support local farmers is not just an economic choice ; it ' s a vote for the betterment of our society , promoting sustainability , driving economic growth , and contributing to the general well-being of our nation .
Moreover , we ' re expanding our collaboration network by forging strategic joint ventures and domestic and international partnerships . Through these alliances , we aim to tap into global and local expertise in product development to broaden the Amana product range further .
At Unga Group , sustainability goes beyond mere rhetoric ; it ' s a core principle that has been woven into our operations since 2021 . Our commitment to actively engage with stakeholders is unwavering . We understand the importance of nurturing robust and enduring relationships with our stakeholders , seeking avenues to enhance their long-term well-being . We firmly believe that our sustainability is intricately connected to the sustainability of the communities where we operate , thanks to our dedication to the principles of shared value .
Our journey toward sustainability encompasses a multifaceted approach , encompassing responsible sourcing , efficient production practices , waste reduction , and resource optimization . The recent relaunch of the Amana brand serves as a tangible testament to our unwavering commitment to embracing sustainability across all facets of our operations .
In anticipation of the Africa Climate Summit 2023 , we are pleased to announce the final stages of our Kshs 300 million solar power generation project , which spans our manufacturing sites in Nairobi , Nakuru , and Eldoret . This project is a vital component of our sustainability initiatives .
Unga Group remains firmly dedicated to integrating climate action and sustainability into our core business strategy . We continue to invest in green initiatives , such as the solar energy project , diversifying our energy sources and reducing our dependence on the national grid .
This solar initiative , part of Unga ’ s innovative energy program , aims to increase the company ’ s uptake of solar energy by diversifying energy sources , boosting efficiency , and reducing operational costs . Adopting solar power units will help slash power costs by more than 27 %, occasioning more than Kshs 80 million annual savings .
Further , by adopting solar power solutions , Unga Group is now on course to reduce its reliance on the national power grid and reduce its carbon footprint by 2,454 tons of CO2 / year .
In addition to installing Solar units at Unga ’ s facilities , the Group is implementing broader energy reduction initiatives through its Continual Improvement Program , eliminating waste , improving efficiency and supporting reliability through robust preventative maintenance .
Last year , Unga Group emerged as the overall winner at the Energy Management Awards ( EMA ) 2022 , organized by the Kenya Association of Manufacturers ( KAM ) in the Electricity Medium Voltage Savings category and also picked the first Runners Up award in the Overall Energy Management category . This attests to the Group ' s culture towards responsibly managing resources and positively impacting the environment .
Looking ahead , our corporate repositioning agenda will focus on putting our consumer needs first , transforming into a sincere customer-centric organization . We are actively reflecting on our core values and have formulated a refreshed business growth strategy to help the business secure its market and thrive for the next 100 years .
Symon Bargurei is the Unga Group Strategy and Innovations Director . You can commune with him via mail at : SBargurei @ unga . com .