Founded five years ago, Garden Fresh is evolving into a strong actor in production and exportation of fresh vegetables and fruits to international buyers in the UK, Netherlands and other parts of Europe.

“80% of fresh vegetables that are exported are grown in our own farms,” Garden Fresh Managing Director Aimable Gakirage says.

With our own farms in Kagitumba, Nyagatare and Kayonza in Collaboration with more than 600 out-growers and cooperatives, the company is capable of producing 30 tons with an average of 20 tons per week exportable. Before Covid19, the company was employing some 400 people on a regular basis.

Exploring international opportunities:

Having been in existence only in five years, Garden Fresh is a Globa GAP and SMETA/ETI certified, Winner of Rwanda Development Board Business Excellence Award 2018 as the Emerging Exporter of the Year.

“Our Commitment to providing customers with quality products has earned us awards. SMETA is awarded after a social audit in welfare of our workers, working conditions generally. Early this year, Garden Fresh was awarded a certificate by Rwanda Women’s Network in recognition of our dedication and commitment to improving labor conditions of women working in the horticulture sector in Rwanda.” Says Mr. Gakirage.

Garden Fresh main products include French Beans, Tender stem broccoli, passion fruits, baby corn, chili, sugar snaps, avocados and snow peas.

Mr. Gakirage is confident the future if horticulture in Rwanda is promising because most of requisite infrastructure is in place. A few years ago, they were few airlines but have since increased. Besides the national carrier, RwandAir, the number of airlines has generally increased. Also, government of Rwanda has established irrigation schemes and cold rooms which facilitate exporters to penetrate international markets.