ATHI RIVER, Kenya, Mar 5 – Mars Wrigley Kenya has ramped up production of sugar-free gum at its Athi River plant, boosting exports to markets across Africa and the Middle East.
The company said the facility, which is its only sugar-free gum manufacturing site in Africa, has become a strategic export hub following the launch of a dedicated production line in November 2025.
Exports from the Athi River plant are currently reaching Uganda, Tanzania, Egypt, Saudi Arabia and Iraq, with plans to expand into Libya, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman, Lebanon, Rwanda, South Africa, Burundi and Nigeria.
Export value has grown from 45 percent to 55 percent and is projected to rise further to 61 percent this year as the company enters new markets. Sugar-free gum exports now account for 90 percent of output from the Athi River facility.
The manufacturer has invested more than $70 million in Kenya and plans to inject an additional $33 million over the next three years to support expansion. The funds will go toward equipment upgrades, new production lines, packaging capacity, warehouse expansion, automation and sustainability initiatives.
Plant Director Mustaffa Bin Kamaludin said the expansion reflects rising demand for sugar-free gum and underscores Kenya’s growing role as a competitive regional manufacturing hub.
The Athi River facility produces sugar-free individually wrapped tab gum in Peppermint and Mixed Fruit variants, with plans to introduce additional 10-pellet pack options.
Mars Wrigley Kenya supports more than 3,500 direct and indirect jobs and says it remains committed to strengthening local manufacturing while expanding its export footprint.
