Exploring Kenya's Supply Chain: A First-Hand Experience by MWW’s Technical Manager, Stephanie Collister
At MWW, we are committed to ensuring the highest quality of fresh produce through an efficient and sustainable supply chain. Recently, our Technical Manager, Stephanie Collister, embarked on a journey to Kenya, marking her first visit to the region. Her goal was to gain a deeper understanding of the complexities of the supply chain for our premium fine beans and how each stage contributes to delivering top-quality products.
Reflecting on her experience, Stephanie shared, “I wanted to see every stage of the process, from farm to distribution, so I could appreciate the hard work that goes into delivering our produce. It’s not just about growing—it’s about the people, the processes, and the passion behind it all.”
Starting at the Source: Our Growers
The visit began at the fields of one of our trusted growers, where Stephanie had the opportunity to witness the harvesting process first hand. Watching the beans being carefully handpicked gave her a new appreciation for the detailed attention and care required to maintain high-quality standards.
“Seeing the harvesting process up close was eye-opening,” Stephanie said. “The meticulous care taken by our team at the farm ensures that only the best beans make it through to the next stage.”
Processing for Perfection: Packing Facility
Following the harvest, Stephanie visited a local packhouse, a key hub for sorting, trimming, and packing. This stage is crucial for ensuring the beans meet the quality standards required. Observing the streamlined operations at the packhouse allowed Stephanie to see how efficiency is balanced with precision to maintain the freshness of the produce.
“At the packhouse, it was clear that every detail matters. The team’s dedication to quality control and their ability to swiftly process the beans ensures that we meet our high standards consistently,” Stephanie noted.
Logistics and Cold Storage: Nairobi and Beyond
The next leg of the journey took Stephanie to Nairobi, where she visited a cold storage facility. This stop highlighted the importance of logistics in preserving product quality during transit. Watching the assembly of aircraft pallets for transport gave her insight into how delicate the process is for ensuring the beans arrive in the UK in pristine condition.
“Maintaining the cold chain is critical. Seeing the careful preparation for air freight demonstrated how much effort goes into keeping our beans fresh during the journey from Kenya to the UK,” said Stephanie.
Once the beans arrived in the UK, the logistics team took over the transportation and handling, ensuring the final leg of the journey was just as seamless.
Ensuring Freshness Upon Arrival
Back in the UK, the pallets of beans are immediately placed in a blast chiller upon arrival, a step Stephanie emphasised as vital in maintaining optimal freshness. From here, the beans undergo thorough quality checks before being dispatched, ensuring that only the best reach the shelves.
A Deeper Understanding of Our Supply Chain
This visit to Kenya has significantly enhanced Stephanie’s understanding of our supply chain. It has also reinforced our commitment to delivering premium products while supporting sustainable and ethical practices throughout our global sourcing efforts.
“The entire process, from the fields in Kenya to the shelves in the UK, is a finely tuned operation. Every person involved plays a vital role in ensuring we deliver quality products. This trip has deepened my respect for the work done at every stage,” Stephanie concluded.
This visit is just one example of our dedication to ensuring transparency, sustainability, and excellence across our global supply chains. We remain committed to our values of looking after the community, doing the right thing, and ensuring that every product we deliver upholds these principles.
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