East African Foods EAF, a Tanzanian-founded company with regional ambitions, is using technology to help to scale up its operations and push into new markets.
Dar es Salaam-headquartered EAF sources its produce - including potatoes, bananas, plantain and onions - from smallholder farmers in Moshi-Kilimanjaro, Njombe, and Mbeya in the Southern Highlands of Tanzania, before selling to mostly small retailers in Dar es Salaam, Dodoma and Zanzibar.
EAF - which is backed by multilateral lenders and foundations - says its network spans over 10,000 farmers and more than 7,000 small retailers. The firm handles around 14,500 banana crates each week.
This year the company opened its first operation outside of Tanzania in Nairobi, where it sells its rice Onja rice and potato Potato King brands.
"By streamlining and optimising the supply chain, we are making it easier for consumers to access the highest quality produce, while also supporting local farmers and the local economy," the firm says.