Green Cavendish Banana from Kenya

Samsons Foods Limited was found in 2009, the company is registered as a global exporter of a wide range of agricultural produce like fresh fruits, vegetables, nuts, and flowers. In 2011, the company started operations under the supervision of the Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service (KEPHIS). Samson’s Limited is a registered as food trade agency with main offices in Nairobi, Kenya and other offices in Nyeri and Kakamega. The company strives to become an industry leader as well as a market-driven organization that is noted for safe, fresh, and high-quality produce. They also have a fully established vegetable freezing line and a wide range of high-quality tropical fruits, packed and processed in their custom-built fruit processing facilities. Their farming practices lay the foundation for the protection of scarce resources by the implementing Good Agricultural Practices which promise a sustainable future. The company has one of the widest networks of farmers in Kenya and enjoy strong links with buying companies in the UK, Germany, Egypt and China.

Samsons Foods Limited packs the produce for export at an audited packaging facility. They are committed to the HACCP system and the BRC Code of practice to ensure that the requirements for exporting safe, and quality products are met and exceeded at all times. The fruit is packed in carton boxes or cardboard boxes according to the size. The carton boxes are then stacked in pallets and stored. They have a fully established vegetable freezing line and a wide range of high-quality tropical fruits, packed and processed in their custom-built fruit processing facilities. The company delivers in accordance with customer specifications through reliable and timely delivery.

Samsons Foods Limited sorts and packs the fruits in presence of SGS inspection officials and representative of both parties to ensure quality and safety. Their company is known to stand for quality, freshness and consistency. The company takes pride calling them as one of the best producers and suppliers of quality avocado fruits to the global market. The company has a Global G.A.P and GRASP certification.

Suppliers who cater to Samsons Foods Limited obtain high quality tissue culture seedlings at the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (Thika). Bananas require a hot and humid climate along with fertile soil. They are harvested at a specific maturity, relating to the number of days from flowering, the angularity of the fingers in cross-section, the size of fingers, and distance to market. Their farming practices are grounded on the Global Good Agricultural Practices (GlobalGAP). GAP guarantee’s consumer safety, environmental conservation and social welfare. Before planting, the company test's the soils to ensure they have the right ingredients, use certified seeds, and ensure the water which is used is clean and free from harmful heavy metals. The company utilises approved and recommended measures to ensure that their farms should be free of pests and diseases. Other than being involved in the production, the company also works with smallholder farmers through a contract farming model. Samsons Foods Limited has contracted 30 casual workers who help in picking and field operation mostly during harvesting and 4 permanent employees including the Director, Operations Manager, Admin and Finance Manager and Agronomist. The company's sales turnover has since increased to now an estimated 20 million p.a with quantity projections of 520 metric tons per year.

There are more than 1,000 banana varieties in the world, the Cavendish banana (Musa acuminata ‘Dwarf Cavendish’) populates supermarket shelves and makes up almost the entire global export market. It is a staple crop that provides energy and nutrient-rich food to millions of people worldwide. The fruit contains high levels of vitamins A and C, minerals such as phosphorus, calcium and potassium, and carbohydrates.

Samsons Foods Limited offers Quality Cavendish Bananas from Kenya. The outer skin is partially green when sold in food markets, and turns yellow when it ripens. As it ripens the starches turn to sugar making a sweeter fruit. When it reaches its final stage (stage 7), brown/black "sugar spots" develop. When overripe, the skin turns black and the flesh becomes mushy. The fruit is produced using organic and conventional methods of production. Cavendish bananas are eaten raw, used in baking, fruit salads, fruit compotes, and to complement foods. The shelf life of Cavendish Banana is 3~5 days in room temperature, 2~9 days in the refrigerator and 2~3 months in the freezer. Treated bananas can last up to 60 days under controlled temperatures.