Mars Wrigley has turned its Athi River facility into a regional export powerhouse six months after launching Africa’s first dedicated sugar-free gum production line.
The plant now ships 90% of its sugar-free gum output beyond Kenya, cementing its role as a hub for Sub-Saharan Africa and the Middle East.
Scaling Fast After Launch
Mars Wrigley commissioned the Athi River line in November 2025, creating the continent’s first sugar-free gum facility. In under six months, the plant shifted from ribbon-cutting to rapid commercial growth.
The Nairobi-area site now exports to Uganda, Tanzania, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and Iraq. By year-end, exports will contribute 61% of the plant’s total value, with sugar-free gum driving nearly all of that growth. The pace of expansion underscores how quickly the facility has scaled.
Targeting 14 New Markets
Mars Wrigley plans to widen its footprint with 14 new destinations: Libya, the UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman, Lebanon, Rwanda, South Africa, Burundi, and Nigeria.
The company aims to deepen penetration in Gulf Cooperation Council states while broadening reach across Sub-Saharan Africa. This dual strategy reflects surging demand for sugar-free gum and confidence in Athi River’s ability to compete globally.
Exports currently include Peppermint and Mixed Fruit tab gum. Mars Wrigley will introduce 10-pellet packs as production capacity grows.
Investing USD 103 Million in Kenya
Mars Wrigley has already invested USD 70 million in Athi River and will inject another USD 33 million over the next three years, raising total investment to more than USD 103 million.
The company will channel funds into new equipment, packaging, warehouse expansion, automation, and sustainability initiatives. The facility now supports over 3,500 direct and indirect jobs, reinforcing its economic significance.
“Kenyan Manufacturing Competes Globally”
Mars Wrigley Kenya Plant Director Mustaffa Bin Kamaludin highlighted the broader impact of the expansion:
“By growing exports from our Athi River site, we’re demonstrating what Kenyan manufacturing can achieve at global standards. This expansion reflects rising demand for sugar-free gum and our commitment to serving customers across Sub-Saharan Africa and the Middle East with high-quality products made in Kenya.”
As Mars Wrigley’s only African sugar-free gum site, Athi River gives Kenya a structural advantage in the company’s global network. Rising regional demand ensures the plant’s strategic importance will continue to grow.
