On Saturday, October 21, Noah and Lois Dekker officially opened Beemsterboer Coldstore Services Kenya's (BCSK) new cold store in Nairobi. That saw this Dutch family's fourth generation cut the ribbon.
The 3rd and 4th generation with CEO Peter Muindi looking on.
Noah Dekker chatting to staff.
Besides these new premises in Nairobi, BCS has been storing perishable goods at two sites in the Netherlands since 1955. "I've lived and worked in Kenya for more than 20 years," says Jean Pierre Dekker, who used to run a rose nursery in Kenya, among other things, and knows the local market well.
Peter with a client.
"In early 2017, at an AGM, we got the idea of investigating whether building a cold storage facility in Nairobi was a promising prospect. It was, but then, the pandemic struck, making construction very difficult. But now, after a longer-than-expected process, we're proud of the completed cold store. Having both my parents at the opening is the icing on the cake."
BCS Kenya management received a Delft-blue plate depicting Beemsterboer Coldstore Services' founder, J.P. Beemsterboer.
"People like our family, staff, a few key clients, shipping company representatives, and we celebrated the occasion. After the various speeches, my children could officially open the facility by pushing aside the Dutch and Kenyan flags, revealing text on a gold plaque," says Jean Pierre proudly.
Anique Dekker.
BCS Kenya's new cold store in Nairobi has space for 4,000 pallets. "It's been running for 18 months, and we've sorted out all the teething problems. Now, it's full speed ahead! Building this facility ensures we reduce fresh fruits and vegetable food waste by up to 30%."
BSCK shareholder Antoine Dekker inspects the stored fruit.
The new cold store primarily holds fruit imported from across the globe. It is also a hub for Kenyan avocados exported in containers to the Netherlands and other European countries. Ice cream and meat for the local market are stored there.
"You keep pioneering in Nairobi, and if you think you're entering a smooth-running city, you'll never move forward. People aren't very familiar with the idea of cold storage either. Yet, this part of Africa offers plenty of potential. Many large companies are looking for professional storage. We'll soon see if we can roll out this concept elsewhere in East Africa," Jean Pierre concludes.
At the opening ceremony: Beemsterboer Cold Store Services Kenya's Bram (2nd generation), Lois, and Noah Dekker (4th generation).
Peter with Noah and Lois.
For more information:
Peter Muindi
BCS Kenya
Tel: +254 714 324 790
Email: p.muindi@bcskenya.co.ke
https://m.bcskenya.co.ke