African Development Foundation

A United States Government Agency

USADF FUNDS JUICE PROCESSING PROJECT IN BURUNDI

Project Will Ensure Stable Incomes for Farmers and Workers

WASHINGTON - August 6, 2008

WASHINGTON, D.C. –August 6th, 2008– The United States African Development Foundation (USADF) today announced a new project in Burundi that will create over 2100 agricultural jobs in the fruit growing sector.  The US Ambassador to Burundi and her Burundian counterpart attended a signing ceremony today at USADF Headquarters that finalized the grant to FRUITO, Inc, a community based African business that manufactures pineapple and passion fruit juice. The project will improve FRUITO’s manufacturing, bottling, and management operations, creating 18 full-time jobs at its bottling plant and adding thousands of new farmers as suppliers.  By helping a small enterprise develop a sustainable business strategy, this project will contribute to economic growth and stability in a country recently emerging from civil war. 

Founded in 1987, FRUITO has endured significant social upheaval, staying in business throughout Burundi’s twelve year civil war.  Unfortunately, it lacks the necessary cold chain equipment to produce juice concentrate during the dry season, forcing it to reduce operations for 4 months each year.  This project allows FRUITO to create juice concentrate and preserve it in a cold room so that it can fully operate year-round. FRUITO will also improve its labeling and expand its regional distribution network.  Permanent production and greater sales will directly improve the incomes, health care, and security of its workers and the hundreds of farmers associated with FRUITO.  

USADF celebrated the project today at its Washington, DC headquarters with a signing ceremony attended by Patricia Moller, US Ambassador to Burundi, and Celestin Niyongabo, Burundi’s Ambassador to the United States.  

Speaking at the event, USADF President Lloyd Pierson remarked that “This project will help an African-owned business improve post-conflict Burundi’s economy.  For the farmers who sell their products to FRUITO, this operation will mean a better quality of life for them and their families.” 

Ambassador Niyongabo echoed Mr. Pierson’s comments, noting that “Through this new grant to FRUITO to produce and process fruit juice, we expect more jobs and other opportunities will be given to Burundians. Such grants should in the long run allow the beneficiaries to be self-supportive and reach sustainable development.”  

Ambassador Moller agreed that the project with FRUITO promises to facilitate Burundi’s economic recovery. “ADF has been an important partner as Burundi works toward economic development and stability,” she added.  

USADF Regional Program Director Christine Fowles worked closely with FRUITO’s management to develop the project.   “FRUITO is a good example of perseverance through devastating conflict.  Its management maintained hope and confidence in the business even during Burundi’s most difficult times.  This project allows FRUITO to realize its full potential and contribute to Burundi’s recovery by providing jobs and income to hundreds of workers, farmers, and their families,” said Fowles.

The $250,000 grant funds the purchase of juice processing equipment, inputs to farmers, and technical assistance and training for workers and staff.

The United States African Development Foundation (USADF) is a United States Government agency dedicated to expanding access to economic opportunity in Africa. Currently USADF operates in 18 African nations.  Over the past 25 years, USADF has directly funded nearly 1,100 African projects representing in excess of $150 million in support of African enterprises and local African communities.

For more information on USADF, its programs and application guidelines, visit www.usadf.gov.

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