Monthly Report Template for COMPETE Grantees

The company's primary objective was to improve its food-grade processing capacity and increase production. Key activities undertaken during the month included relocating and improving plant equipment to achieve full food-grade processing capacity, as verified by the Kenyan Bureau of Standards. The company began constructing two new nut dryers, which will allow for an increased drying capacity of 20 tons per week. Additionally, 5673 kg of macadamia nuts were purchased from Meru and Taita growers associations at a value of 6 million Ksh, with 41,061 Ksh paid to farmers during this period. Furthermore, 12,696 Ksh was paid to WAMATTA, a farmer group in Taita, to assist with their capacity. Ten Senses Africa Ltd also made significant progress in its export goals, with 2790 kg of processed macadamia exported to the US market during February. Orders were confirmed for the export of 125,300 kg of processed macadamia during 2011, with an agreed price of $1.13 million, of which $526,000 is for the US market. The company also employed 6 staff during this period, noting that processing occurs at low volumes during February as it is the off-season. Notable highlights from the report include the formation of a partnership with the GrassRoots Business Fund, which is considering a long-term $60,000 investment into the upgrading of the macadamia processing facility. This investment will allow the company to expand its production capacity from 250 kg per day to 1000 kg per day. The company has also continued the development of its web-based management information system, which provides real-time information on the status of its production. Additionally, the company has developed its HAACP quality control manual in preparation for training new laborers joining in March. Ten Senses Africa Ltd has also signed memoranda with a potential new customer in the UK market, in addition to its current customers in the US, Switzerland, Austria, and Slovakia.