The Soroti Fruit Processing Factory has marked a significant milestone by purchasing and processing local mangoes from farmers in Teso sub-region and beyond for the very first time.
This season, the factory plans to buy and process a total of 150 tonnes (150,000kg) of mangoes. In just one week, it has already acquired 50 tonnes (50,000kg).
Since its official commissioning by President Yoweri Museveni on April 13, 2019, the factory — located in Soroti City East Division — has primarily focused on processing various orange varieties, including hamlin, valencia and washington navel.
Julius Martin Ekomu, the factory’s chief executive officer, revealed that they intend to invest sh45m in purchasing local mangoes this season, offering farmers sh300 per kilogramme.
However, he noted a challenge: some farmers are struggling to meet the required supply due to difficulties in sourcing sufficient quantities of quality mangoes.
“Once we complete the testing phase, we plan to invest significantly in the community by purchasing even more local mangoes,” he announced on Monday.
Ekomu recently toured mango farms to assess fruit quality and engage with farmers on possible improvements.
He also encouraged locals to consume the factory’s mango juice to help sustain demand for their produce.
Lawrence Emoit, a representative of the Teso Tropical Fruit Co-operative Union (TEFCU), which supplies fruits to the factory, said they delivered 10 tonnes of mangoes last week and are now preparing a final shipment of another 10 tonnes.
According to Emoit, local mangoes typically begin to ripen in April.
By May, most have matured, and the factory only accepts raw, mature mangoes for processing.
He explained that suppliers buy mangoes from farmers at shs150 per kg and sell them to the factory at shs300, accounting for additional costs such as transport, packaging, as well as labour for weighing and loading.
“Farmers will continue growing mangoes because there is now a ready market,” said Emoit.
“However, I urge families not to deprive their children of mangoes due to financial motives.”
The factory’s purchase of local mangoes has generated excitement among farmers in the region, who have long awaited this opportunity.
Simon Obwolo, a farmer from Amotor village in Dakabela parish, Arapai sub-county, said he sold 1,425kg of mangoes from just three trees — earning more than sh213,700 for the first time in his life.
About the factory
Soroti Fruits Limited is a government-backed initiative aimed at promoting investment in fruit processing to support industrial development, diversify income sources and uplift household earnings across Uganda.
Located in the Arapai Industrial Park, the factory is situated about 299km northeast of Kampala.
Reduced waste
Geofrey Esebu, a farmer from Amotot Village, expressed gratitude that their mangoes are no longer going to waste.
He sold more than 14 bags and said the change has made him more protective of his produce. Construction of the Soroti Fruit Factory began in April 2015 after several delays, and by May 2018, test runs on production lines had begun.
Today, the factory has the capacity to process six tonnes of oranges and mangoes per hour, producing a refreshing beverage line known as Teso Juice (TEJU).
TEJU includes three flavors: Teju Orange Juice, Teju Mango Juice and Teju Fruit Blend — all crafted from 100% natural fruit concentrates.
The mango juice, a tropical delight, is made from the purée of various local mangoes, including Alphonso, Tommy Atkins, Apple, Kakule, Zillet and Boribo — offering a rich, flavourful experience in every sip.
LEAD PHOTO CAPTION: Ekomu (third-left) observing the purchase of local mangoes in Arapai sub-county, Soroti district on Monday. Photo by Emmanuel Alomu
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