Beeco Agro Industry PLC is advancing sustainable and modern horticulture in producing premium fresh strawberries for international markets, thereby contributing to Ethiopia’s economic growth and agricultural transformation among other positive social impacts.
Specializing in the production and export of premium fresh strawberries with its Farm in Holeta, Oromia Regional State, the Company is driving its horticultural operation through innovation, responsible farming, and strict adherence to international standards, thereby establishing itself as a trusted supplier of high-quality strawberries to global markets.
Guided by its motto, “From Ethiopia’s Fields to the World’s Tables,” Beeco operates on 24.6 hectares of land, with approximately 12 hectares currently under strawberry production using modern greenhouse and tunnel technologies.
Beeco is certified to internationally recognized standards, including GLOBALG.A.P., SMETA, BASIS, and FACT, demonstrating its commitment to food safety, environmental sustainability, ethical business practices, and workers welfare.
As part of EHPEA’s dedicated engagement in supporting Member Farms and promoting sustainable horticulture through various interventions, a team led by Tewodros Zewdie, Executive Director of the Ethiopian Horticulture Producer Exporters Association (EHPEA), recently visited Beeco’s farm during a field tour to member farms in the Holeta Cluster.
“Continuous investment in improved varieties, precision irrigation, and modern crop management are among the key factors that have enabled the Company to deliver consistently high-quality fruit,” says Tamirat Adugna, General Manager and Co-Founder of Beeco Agro Industry PLC.
“Our mission is to produce world-class strawberries while contributing to sustainable economic development, environmental stewardship, and community well-being,” says the General Manager.
The Company currently employs 314 permanent staff, the majority of whom are women, and recruits more than 100 seasonal workers during peak periods, thereby increasing the number of workforce to nearly 500 people.
Beeco exports premium fresh strawberries to Singapore, Europe, the United Kingdom, the Middle East, and several African countries, generating foreign hard currencies while strengthening Ethiopia’s position in the global horticulture industry.
“Our priority is to improve productivity, expand export markets, and maintain the highest international standards of food safety, quality, and ethical business practices. We continuously introduce improved strawberry varieties to enhance yield, fruit quality, shelf life, and sustainability,” explains Tamirat.
Making Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) an integral part of its business philosophy, the Company has invested ETB 6.5 million in constructing a 1.5-kilometre gravel road, improving access for local communities and supporting the Holeta City Administration’s corridor development programs.
In addition, Beeco has provided clean drinking water to surrounding communities, and it supports school feeding programmes, while contributing to community health insurance initiatives, and participating in other social and environmental development activities.
“At Beeco Agro Industry PLC, we believe sustainable business success goes hand in hand with social responsibility,” says Tamirat, adding, “Through innovation, responsible farming, internationally recognized certifications, and strong community partnerships, we are committed to producing premium-quality strawberries while improving livelihoods and promoting Ethiopia as a trusted supplier of high-value horticultural products.”
