Ugandan agritech firm KaFresh has secured new investment from the Nairobi Business Angel Network (NaiBAN) to advance its innovative spray coating technology to reduce food spoilage. The breakthrough solution prolongs the shelf life of fruits and vegetables without refrigeration, offering a sustainable approach to post-harvest preservation. This funding underscores the growing emphasis on agricultural innovations to tackle food security challenges in Africa.
Food storage remains a pressing challenge for Africa, where significant losses occur due to inadequate infrastructure. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), improper harvesting methods account for approximately five percent of global fruit and vegetable losses.
A study across six Sub-Saharan African countries found that 80.4 percent of food losses during storage, handling, and transportation, with perishable items like fruits, vegetables, roots, and tubers suffering the highest losses—up to 55.9 percent, largely due to inadequate storage facilities and inefficient processing methods.
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KaFresh’s solution: A natural, room-temperature preservation technology
The company has developed an all-natural edible spray that extends the shelf life of produce at room temperature, eliminating the need for cold storage or refrigeration. Using plant extracts, KaFresh’s spray forms a thin, soluble coating that helps preserve the quality of fruits, vegetables, and even flowers, maintaining their freshness for longer periods. KaFresh works across the entire value chain and is available in 500ml and 200ml packages
“KaFresh is an all-natural spray that extends the shelf life of produce and flowers at room temperature – no cold room or cold chain necessary,” said Jean-Paul Nageri, co-founder of KaFresh.
He narrated the childhood experience that inspired the innovative product. According to him his father’s farming experience of harvesting produce that got spoiled in storage birthed KaFresh.
“Growing up, I witnessed how much my father, a plantain farmer, struggled with spoilage due to unreliable markets and lack of storage options. KaFresh was born from a desire to create a solution that is practical, scalable, and accessible,” said Mr Nageri.
A sustainable and scalable solution to global food waste
With NaiBAN’s investment, KaFresh is now positioned to scale its business and enhance its product. The new investment will enable the company to improve its technology, expand production, and increase its reach across Africa. The spray is available in 500ml and 200ml bottles, making it suitable for a wide range of fruits, vegetables, and flowers across the horticultural value chain.
The investment aligns with NaiBAN’s mission to assist early-stage businesses using innovation to create impact and solve global challenges. By providing a low-cost and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional cold storage, KaFresh’s technology has the potential to revolutionise food preservation practices, especially in regions with limited access to refrigeration and stable electricity.
With the investment from NaiBAN, KaFresh has reached an important milestone in its journey. The business intends to reach more people in Africa and investigate international markets where food waste is still a major problem. By enhancing conventional cold storage options, KaFresh will establish itself as a key player in the future of food preservation.
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