Pepea has made its inaugural investment in Gaea Foods Limited, a female-led potato-processing company in Kenya, aimed at enhancing local value chains and empowering smallholder farmers.

Target Information

Gaea Foods Limited, based in Nairobi, Kenya, is an innovative potato-processing company that primarily serves the B2B market. Founded in 2009 by CEO Irene Mwangi, who possesses over 20 years of experience in the potato processing sector, Gaea has transitioned from trading whole potatoes to processing and supplying value-added products such as peeled and cut potatoes to prominent fast-casual restaurants in the Nairobi area, including renowned brands like Steers and Nando’s. The company prides itself on its commitment to supporting smallholder farmers and empowering female stakeholders within the agricultural sector.

Under the leadership of Irene Mwangi and her sister Roseanne Wanjiku, the managing team has garnered extensive industry connections spanning from B2B buyers to potato farmers and aggregators. Gaea is dedicated to sustainable practices, including converting potato peelings into fertilizers and animal feed, thereby enhancing its environmental footprint while boosting the economic conditions of the farming communities it collaborates with.

Industry Overview

The potato industry in Kenya has witnessed significant growth over the years, driven by rising consumer demand for processed potato products. With a burgeoning fast-food sector and increasing urbanization, the B2B market for po