Brookside Dairy @ 30+ Years: A legacy of dairy excellence in East Africa

KENYA – Kenya’s dairy industry offers an essential template for the vast opportunities in Africa. As one of the most vibrant in Africa, the sector has come a long way from its colonial past, as rising local production and consumption, driven by investments across the value chain and consumers’ positive attitudes toward packaged dairy products, push the industry forward.

None of the dairy processors in Kenya has had a positive impact on the sector like Brookside Dairy. Brookside Dairy Limited, headquartered in Ruiru, Kenya, is the largest dairy processor in East Africa, a position it has earned through three decades of innovation, strategic growth and community empowerment.

Founded in 1993 on Sukari Farm with a daily milk processing capacity of 5,000 litres, the company has transformed into a regional powerhouse, commanding over 67% of Kenya’s formal milk market and processing over 1 million litres daily.

From its inception, Brookside’s mission was to deliver fresh, nutritious dairy products to Kenyan households.

Starting with a small operation, the company has grown its supplier network to include hundreds of thousands of farmers across East Africa, supported by extensive training programs and technical assistance to improve milk quality and yield.

Today, Brookside processes over 1 million liters of milk daily, a testament to its operational scale and commitment to excellence.

Brookside’s diverse brand portfolio has been central to its success. In April 2023, the official launch of its 30th anniversary was held under the theme “Three Decades of Growth, Innovation, and Sustainability.”

Through a series of impactful initiatives, Brookside celebrated its past while laying the groundwork for a sustainable future. Although the official anniversary year concluded in 2023, Brookside has continued embodying the spirit of “Nourishing Generations” in its current operations.

CORE DAIRY PRODUCTS

Brookside Dairy has built a portfolio of strong brands that cater to different consumer segments across East Africa.

Its flagship Brookside brand remains central, offering a wide range of dairy staples including fresh milk, long-life milk, flavored milk, yogurt, butter, ghee, and cream.

The brand is widely recognized for its consistency and broad appeal, making it a household name in Kenya and beyond.

The “Dairybest” long-life milk is especially popular in Kenya for its convenience, as it requires no refrigeration while maintaining wholesome dairy goodness.

On the other hand, Ilara has established itself as Brookside’s mass-market brand, delivering affordable milk and yogurt options that broaden the company’s reach across diverse socioeconomic groups.

In 2017, the company expanded its portfolio with the acquisition of Delamere, a premium brand known for its yogurt, flavored milk, and cheese and retained the Delamere label for its colonial/heritage positioning and established consumer recognition in the yoghurt segment.

Delamere enables Brookside to compete with both global players and local premium offerings in the chilled dairy market, and to introduce differentiated formats and flavours targeted at urban, quality-conscious consumers.

Beyond Kenya, Dairy Fresh plays an important role in Brookside’s regional strategy. Distributed primarily in Uganda and Tanzania, Dairy Fresh focuses on milk and yogurt products tailored to regional preferences, ensuring the company’s competitiveness in neighboring markets.

Dairyfresh range also includes several flavors targeted at children and families who enjoy tasty, nutritious dairy snacks. These come in six flavours, including strawberry, chocolate, and banana, and are available in 250ml and 6-pack cartons.

PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT ROOTED IN INNOVATION

Brookside has introduced several groundbreaking innovations over the years. The company was among the first in Kenya to introduce flavored yogurts in 1996, diversifying its offerings and appealing to younger consumers.

That same year, Brookside established a butter manufacturing facility and expanded into culinary dairy products. In 1997, it launched the triangular 500ml milk pack, a unique format that improved accessibility and convenience.

Recent innovations have seen the dairy broaden its products range through innovation in nutrition and consumer-focused formats.

The company’s fortified UHT milk, enriched with vitamins A and D and fibre, provides enhanced nutrition and a long shelf life, making it particularly suitable for consumers in areas with limited refrigeration, as well as those seeking healthier everyday options.

Its Brookside Plus probiotic yoghurt, available in vanilla and strawberry flavours, combines functional health benefits with flavour variety, appealing to snack consumers, health-conscious buyers, and taste-driven segments.

In addition, the firm has developed lactose-free, low-fat, and fat-free products across standard formats such as milk and yoghurt, targeting individuals with lactose intolerance, calorie-conscious consumers, and families, especially parents and the elderly, who prioritize nutrient-rich diets.

In response to growing health consciousness and global trends, the company expanded into the plant-based milk segment under its “Simply Nature” umbrella.

This includes 100% almond milk and 100% soy milk, which are dairy-free, gluten-free, and lactose-free. These plant-based alternatives target vegetarians, people with dairy sensitivities, and consumers looking for healthier dietary options.

This move also reflects Brookside’s commitment to innovation and market responsiveness, addressing diverse and evolving consumer demands.

According to Strategic Market Research, the global plant-based milk market is expected to surpass US$123.1 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 15% from 2022 to 2030.

PIONEERING NICHE MARKET

Beyond the leading brands, Brookside Dairy has also strengthened its market presence by targeting institutional channels, particularly in schools and the hospitality sector.

The company works closely with the Kenya Primary Schools Headteachers Association (KEPSHA), supplying full cream and white milk to meet the nutritional needs of school children while fostering brand loyalty among younger consumers.

At the same time, Brookside has established a partnership with the Kenya Association of Hotelkeepers and Caterers (KAHC), ensuring that its product range and packaging formats are tailored to the requirements of the catering and hospitality industry.

The dairy giant offers whipping/cooking creams, double cream, full-cream milk powder, skim milk powder, artisanal butter, and ghee intended for foodservice, industrial users, and households that use dairy as an ingredient.

These formats diversify revenue streams and position Brookside as a supplier across the entire value chain, including retail, foodservice, and the bigger industry.

STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIPS AND REGIONAL EXPANSION

Strategic investments and partnerships have driven Brookside’s evolution into a regional leader. In 2009, Abraaj Capital, a Dubai-based private equity firm, invested US$18.7 million for a 10% stake, providing the financial muscle to scale operations and pursue acquisitions.

In February 2010, through private equity fund Aureos Capital, it announced the acquisition of Spin Knit Dairy, with its Tuzo, Lea, and Ever Fresh milk brands.

Three years later, in August 2013, Brookside took over Buzeki Dairy Ltd, which owned the Molo Milk brand, then the leading brand in the market, ahead of New KCC and Brookside.

The 2014 partnership with French multinational Danone, which acquired a 40% stake, brought global expertise, advanced dairy technologies, and access to international best practices, accelerating Brookside’s expansion into Uganda and Tanzania.

In 2015, it made its largest cross-border investment, acquiring a 51% controlling stake in Uganda’s Sameer Agriculture & Livestock Ltd for US$40 million. The rebranded Brookside Dairy Uganda became a key operational hub, enabling the company to tap into Uganda’s dairy market and supply chains with minimal disruption.

In Tanzania, Brookside adopted a decentralized approach, establishing offices in Arusha, Mwanza, and Dar es Salaam between 2016 and 2018.

These locations serve as distribution and engagement centers, fostering relationships with local retailers, suppliers, and consumers while adapting to regional preferences. Brookside’s ambitions extend beyond East Africa.

Between 2018 and 2020, the company invested in local dairy processors in Ethiopia and Nigeria, two of Africa’s most populous and dynamic markets, positioning itself as a pan-African brand.

Its export business, including long-life milk and yogurt, serves the Indian Ocean Islands, Rwanda, Burundi, Uganda, and Tanzania, with substantial and growing trade volumes reflecting its regional influence.

CELEBRATING 30 YEARS: NOURISHING GENERATIONS

In 2023, Brookside commemorated its 30th anniversary with the “Brookside at 30: Nourishing Generations” campaign, celebrating its pivotal role in East Africa’s dairy sector.

The year-long initiative highlighted the company’s commitment to innovation, sustainability, and community empowerment through a series of impactful programs across Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania.

The campaign featured vibrant dairy festivals, with the flagship event in Ruiru, Kenya, attracting over 10,000 attendees for product showcases, farmer awards, and sustainable dairy workshops.

It also launched a limited-edition Delamere yogurt flavor, blending East African tropical fruits in commemorative packaging to honor the region’s agricultural heritage.

The “30 Heroes of Dairy” program recognized 30 outstanding farmers with equipment grants, such as milking machines and solar-powered cooling units, to enhance productivity and sustainability.

A sustainability pledge to plant 300,000 trees by 2025, in partnership with local governments and environmental organizations, continues to address climate change and support farmer livelihoods.

Additionally, Brookside’s mobile app, now used by over 50,000 farmers, provides real-time data on milk quality, market prices, and sustainable practices, driving efficiency and empowerment in the dairy supply chain.

Many of the initiatives launched during the campaign, such as the sustainability pledge, farmer empowerment programs, and digital innovations continue to be active today.

The company has signaled that these efforts are not just celebratory but central to its long-term strategy of shaping a resilient and sustainable dairy sector in East Africa.

A LEGACY BUILT ON QUALITY AND EXCELLENCE

Brookside Dairy has cemented its position as a leader in East Africa’s dairy industry after earning a string of prestigious quality awards and certifications.

At the 2024 Kenya Quality Awards hosted by the Kenya Bureau of Standards, Brookside was honored with Product of the Year (for its Dairy Best UHT Milk) and Company of the Year (large firm category) awards.

That same year, the company’s Central Laboratory achieved ISO 17025:2017 accreditation from the Kenya Accreditation Service (KENAS), making it one of only three dairy laboratories in Kenya to hold the international standard.

The recognition, presented to Sabina Mwangi, the General Manager for Quality Assurance, confirmed the lab’s competence in reliable testing and calibration, a key step in ensuring food safety and consumer trust.

Regionally, Brookside’s Ugandan subsidiary was honored at the East African Community Quality Awards, where it secured Product of the Year for the Dairy Best brand and was named First Runner-Up for Company of the Year.

The accolades continued in February 2025, when it attained Food Safety System Certification (FSSC) Version 6, a global benchmark in food safety management. These awards reflected its leadership in innovation, consistency, and operational excellence.

EMPOWERING FARMERS, EMBRACING SUSTAINABILITY

Brookside’s success is deeply rooted in its partnership with over 200,000 contracted farmers across 27 Kenyan counties and neighboring countries.

The company has invested millions in farmer training programs, focusing on hygiene, feed quality, and milk handling to improve yields and quality.

Its cold chain infrastructure, including refrigerated trucks, chilling plants, and storage facilities, ensures milk preservation from remote farms to processing centers, reducing spoilage and enhancing efficiency.

Sustainability is a core pillar of Brookside’s operations. The company promotes regenerative agriculture through fodder demonstration plots at milk bulking stations, training farmers to grow and conserve high-quality livestock feed to mitigate seasonal droughts.

Further, it supports clean energy adoption by offering biogas units and solar panels on checkoff terms, reducing reliance on firewood and fossil fuels. Water conservation initiatives, such as constructing water pans in key milk-producing regions, ensure year-round productivity and animal health.

Additionally, its agroforestry programs encourage farmers to plant trees, thereby enhancing biodiversity, carbon sequestration, and land stewardship, all in alignment with Kenya’s climate adaptation goals.

To safeguard milk quality, Brookside trains farmers in biosafety protocols and disease prevention, complemented by workshops, cooperative development, and access to market infrastructure. These efforts empower farmers and strengthen the dairy supply chain, ensuring long-term resilience.

A VISION FOR THE FUTURE

As the dairy takes a look beyond 30 years, it is poised to deepen its dominance in East Africa’s agribusiness sector while embracing innovation and sustainability.

The company is forging partnerships with agricultural value chain players to position milk as a complementary nutrition source, expanding both domestic and export portfolios.

The company is also exploring advanced technologies, including automated milking systems and AI-driven quality control, to enhance efficiency and product consistency.

With its robust supply chain, diverse portfolio, and commitment to sustainability, Brookside aims to remain a leader in East Africa’s dairy sector while pursuing pan-African growth.

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