Fiber Foods makes Ugandan jackfruit their plant-based hero

Project Summary

Invest International has been a partner in supporting Fiber Foods’ growth since 2022. After Fiber Foods established a sustainable value chain, we helped finance their first import shipments and optimise production lines. Next, with the DGGF start-up loan that we are facilitating, Fiber Foods is set to establish a new jackfruit processing facility to cater to the growing demand for sustainable plant-based meat alternatives.

The project aims to strengthen the local value chain for jackfruit, a previously non-commercial crop in Uganda, by delivering dehydrated young jackfruit products that meet the specific requirements of buyers in the food industry in the Netherlands and Europe as demand increases.

While jackfruit holds great potential as a sustainable food source, investors often hesitate due to the high setup costs of processing facilities, logistical challenges of transporting the bulky, perishable fruit, and perceived limited market access. Fiber Foods’ PrimeJack® product addresses these issues by peeling, cutting, and drying young jackfruit at the source. This process preserves its natural taste and nutritional content, making it allergen- and cholesterol-free with a high fibre content (57%). It also overcomes limitations associated with traditional canning, making it suitable for larger-scale food manufacturing. We are supporting Fiber Foods in bridging their financial gap, enabling them to scale operations and grow their business.

For the local economy in Uganda, the new facility will primarily employ women, providing stable jobs, fair working conditions, and training programs. It will also support indirect job creation in transportation and construction.

Together with Invest International, Fiber Foods demonstrates how innovation in a locally untapped crop  can fuel the plant-based food revolution, drive growth and create new opportunities in emerging markets.