Exotic EPZ
Exotic EPZ is a Kenyan award-winning producer and exporter of macadamia nuts and a social enterprise, founded in 2012. They export their macadamia nuts to Europe, USA and Asia. Owned by 3 women entrepreneurs, passionate about social and economic development and environmental sustainability, they source directly from over 7000 smallholder farmers in Kenya. In 2020, Exotic EPZ received an investment from the Kenyan Climate Ventures (KCV) to expand their production.
Exotic EPZ's macadamia nuts
Exotic EPZ source its macadamia nuts from smallholder farmers in 11 different regions in Kenya, known for favourable acidic soils and coffee production in the past. Most of their macadamia nuts are Murang’a 20 variety, which adapts well to different climates and produces throughout the year. In order to maintain high quality of seedlings, the company trains farmers in seed propagation techniques. As a FSSC 22000 and ISO 9001 certified company, Exotic EPZ ensures food safety and high quality processing of their macadamia nuts.
Exotic EPZ's social and environmental impacts
Exotic EPZ is committed to empower their farmers and employees through training and incentives. For the smallholder farmers they provide quality seedlings, training on crop management, pest control, soil care and post harvest management. To maintain high seedling quality, the company trains farmers in the seed propagation.
In their environmental sustainability efforts, Exotic EPZ installed a 47.5 KwH solar plant to run a part of its production on solar power, which significantly reduces their carbon footprint. Aiming to reduce waste from production, they reuse their nut shells and are looking into turning the unsound macadamia kernels into edible oil. The company has put in place an environmental policy and trained their employees in environmental management practices.
Exotic EPZ's certificates
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FSSC 22000 V5
(Food Safety Management Certification) -
ISO 9001:2018
(Quality Management System)
Exotic EPZ's partnerships
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Rabobank Rural Fund
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Autodesk, technology impact program
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Root Capital
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British Chamber of Commerce Kenya
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Kenya Climate Ventures (KCV)
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Kenya Climate Innovation Center (KCIC)
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Redavia Solar Group
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AlphaMundi Group Ltd.