Kyosk Digital Services, (www.Kyosk.app) a digital-first and data-led distribution platform, has announced its entry into the African fresh produce market with the launch of its Farm & Fresh line of business.
This expansion comes after Kyosk’s recent acquisition of KwikBasket, a prominent player in the agricultural industry known for its expertise in the distribution of agricultural produce and services to farmers, commercial kitchens, and other stakeholders in the food chain.
Kyosk Digital Services specializes in online retail distribution and adopts a digital-first approach and data-driven insights. The company aims to transform the distribution and accessibility of goods and services in Africa through innovative solutions.
By connecting businesses, consumers, and suppliers, their platform, Kyosk.App, facilitates seamless transactions and enhances overall efficiency in the supply chain.
With the launch of Farm & Fresh, Kyosk combines its digital-first approach and large-scale operations with KwikBasket’s agricultural expertise to revolutionize the African fresh produce market, creating a more efficient and inclusive ecosystem.
Raphael Afaedor, Co-Founder and CEO of Kyosk Digital Services, sees this acquisition as a major milestone for Kyosk, broadening their footprint in the fresh produce market in Africa and enhancing their offering to cater to the needs of farmers, retailers, kitchens, eateries, and consumers.
“This expansion presents a unique opportunity for Kyosk to leverage its digital-first and data-led distribution platform to revolutionise the way fresh produce is sourced, distributed, and enjoyed in Africa.”
With KwikBasket’s expertise and resources, Kyosk is strategically positioned to unlock the full potential of farming in Africa and create a fair and efficient marketplace that benefits all stakeholders in the food chain.
In many regions of Africa, farmers face challenges due to fragmented and inefficient distribution chains for agricultural produce. Kyosk’s Farm & Fresh line aims to address these challenges by offering farmers access to improved yields, consistent market access, fair pricing, essential information and insights, and agricultural inputs. By empowering farmers with these resources, Kyosk aims to support their growth and success in the agricultural sector.
Additionally, Kyosk Fresh will cater to the needs of restaurants, eateries, and other customers by providing a consistent supply of a wide variety of high-quality products. Through streamlined processes, optimized logistics, and enhanced inventory management, Kyosk Farm & Fresh aims to reduce challenges such as food safety concerns, food wastage, high logistics costs, and delays in fulfilling customer orders. This will ensure stability, competitiveness, and transparency throughout the supply chain.
As part of the launch of the Farm & Fresh line, the uLima digital platform will be rebranded to Kyosk Farm. Building upon the foundation of uLima, Kyosk Farm will leverage its existing features and functionality while enhancing the overall user experience. It will provide farmers with improved access to information, insights, agri-inputs, and market linkage, ensuring sustainable income and growth opportunities.
Kyosk primarily focuses on serving small retail outlets and traditional retailers, which constitute over 60% of retail trade in Africa. These retailers, located in low-income, informal urban communities, have historically faced challenges in accessing manufacturers and distributors due to multiple layers of intermediaries.
Kyosk’s platform aims to revolutionize how these retailers, farmers, and their communities connect with high-quality and affordable goods and services through digitized value chains. By eliminating intermediaries, Kyosk enables retailers to order products directly from FMCGs, gaining access to competitive prices and cost savings.
Beyond product distribution, Kyosk collaborates with financial institutions to provide services such as credit and insurance to traditional shops, farmers, and other businesses. This fosters economic growth and stability while promoting financial inclusion for underrepresented businesses and individuals.
With its strategic expansion into the fresh produce market, Kyosk aims to revolutionize the distribution and accessibility of fresh produce in Africa, creating a more efficient and inclusive ecosystem for all stakeholders in the food chain.