Kenya’s Quality Meat Packers (QMP) is stepping up its expansion drive with new deals in the Gulf region and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

The Nairobi-based meat processor has partnered with Lulu Hypermarket and Nesto Group to distribute its products in Dubai and Riyadh, while also securing a presence in central Africa through Kin Marché supermarkets in eastern DRC, with plans to move into Kinshasa.

“This partnership is more than just exporting meat; it’s about putting a Kenyan brand on the global stage,” said Diamond Velji, the managing director of QMP.

Adding;

“Lulu and Nesto give us a bridge to millions of households across the Gulf, while our entry into the DRC allows us to tap into one of Africa’s fastest-growing consumer markets. It’s a dual strategy. Regional and international, and an opportunity we intend to maximise.”

Founded in 1970, QMP has grown into one of East Africa’s leading suppliers to hotels, restaurants, and airlines. Until recently, the bulk of its exports went to niche buyers in the Middle East.

The new approach signals a change, with the company now investing heavily in value-added products designed to meet the tastes of modern consumers.

The Gulf States import up to 85 per cent of their food, making them attractive markets for suppliers. Rising incomes, rapid urbanisation, and a multicultural population have created steady demand for HALAL-certified meats and convenient ready-to-eat meals.

Lulu Hypermarket, based in Abu Dhabi, operates more than 250 stores across the region, while Nesto, headquartered in Sharjah, runs over 130 outlets. Together, they form some of the most influential retail networks in the Gulf.

QMP has set its sights on achieving $30 million (Sh3.9 billion) in sales by 2026 through its expanded product lines, which will include breaded snacks and oriental foods.

“Consumers in the Gulf want both tradition and innovation,” CEO Imtiaz Velji said.

While much of the spotlight has been on the Gulf, QMP is also optimistic about opportunities in the DRC. Urban demand for branded food products continues to grow as the country’s middle class expands, yet local processing remains limited.

By providing packaged, HALAL-certified meats, QMP aims to fill that gap and build a reliable market base.

This expansion aligns with Kenya’s broader push to diversify its agricultural exports. The country’s total exports of meat and meat products were valued at $99.6 million (ksh 12.9 billion) in 2024, a 29 per cent rise from the previous year.

Traditionally known for tea, coffee, and horticulture, Kenya has lagged behind regional peers like Ethiopia and Sudan in meat exports. QMP’s entry into new markets reflects a determination to shift that balance and strengthen Kenya’s global agricultural footprint.