Uganda has marked a major breakthrough in agro-industrialisation with the launch of its first large-scale export of processed and canned pineapples to the Chinese market. A total of 140 metric tonnes of premium canned pineapples were officially flagged off, highlighting the countryโs growing capacity in value-added agricultural exports.
The milestone shipment was spearheaded by Deshiburg Fruits International Co. Ltd., a specialised fruit-processing company operating within the China-Uganda Agriculture Cooperation Industrial Park (CUACIP), managed by Kehong Group.
The journey traces back to 2015, when Kehong Group signed a landmark memorandum of understanding with Ugandaโs Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries to invest approximately 220 million dollars into Ugandaโs agricultural sector. The partnership focused on commercial farming, value addition, technology transfer, employment creation, and expanding export opportunities.
Following the successful establishment of the industrial park under Phase I, the canned pineapple export project now represents a key achievement under Phase II, which concentrates on agro-processing and industrial value addition.
Located in Luwero District, at the heart of Ugandaโs pineapple-growing belt, the Deshiburg factory has become the countryโs first dedicated canned pineapple processing plant. The company produces premium-quality canned pineapples using the Smooth Cayenne variety, celebrated for its natural sweetness and processed without artificial preservatives.
With the ability to process up to 500 tonnes of locally sourced pineapples every day, the facility is positioning Uganda as a competitive supplier in global fruit markets under its ambitious slogan, โOne Great Deshiburg Can Serve Worldwide.โ
The flag-off ceremony marked several important milestones, including Ugandaโs first commercial shipment of canned pineapples to the China through four export containers carrying 140 metric tonnes. The export also signals Ugandaโs transition from exporting raw agricultural produce to supplying high-value processed goods that meet international quality standards and align with the countryโs National Development Plan IV.
The project is already transforming livelihoods through its out-grower model, which connects more than 1,500 farmers from Luwero, Nakasongola, Nakaseke, and Kayunga districts to reliable markets for their produce. The initiative is further being celebrated as a strong example of South-South cooperation under the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC).
Speaking during the flag-off event, Frank Tumwebaze described the factory as a game changer for Ugandaโs agricultural sector, noting that it addresses the long-standing challenge of limited markets for perishable produce by creating sustained demand for pineapples as raw materials.
He encouraged farmers to increase pineapple production to match the growing processing demand and urged local leaders and agricultural extension workers to support farmers in adopting intentional and market-oriented farming practices. According to the minister, the rapid growth of agro-industries across the country sends a clear message to farmers: produce more and embrace the expanding opportunities in domestic, regional, and international markets.
Minister Tumwebaze also called on Ugandans to prioritise quality production standards while taking advantage of the countryโs vast agricultural potential, fertile soils, and extensive arable land.
