MARKET East African Manufacturing sector. Bidco is the This is in addition to the BS 18000 certification In 2015, to celebrate Bidco’s 30 year Anniversary first company to establish a fully operational in 2007 (Occupational Health and Safety they “evolved” their brand to include in refinery in . Management System specification), ISO 9002/1 the name. Bidco Africa not only paid tribute to Bidco has acquired the highly regarded ISO in 1999 (Quality Management Systems) and ISO the founder, but also the people and heritage 22000:2005 presented by Bureau Veritas . 14000 in 2004 (Environmental Management). that worked tirelessly to make it East Africa’s leading edible oils and hygiene HISTORY and personal care products manufacturer. Bidco was established in 1970 as a garment This is a true African success story that manufacturer in Nyeri, Kenya. In 1985, the started out with producing just three soap former chairman, Mr Bhimji Depar Shah and brands to become one of the region’s his two sons Vimal Shah and Tarun Shah saw largest FMCG manufacturers with over 50 a growing need in the African market for brands. Bidco currently has manufacturing soap products. They relocated to Nairobi, units in Kenya, , and most and set up a soap manufacturing plant. recently producing edible Bidco only produced three soap products; oils and fats, margarines, baking products, Kuku, Sabasaba and White Star. hygiene and personal care products and In 1991, Bidco set up a state of animal feeds. Bidco’s range of brands the art refinery in Thika. The growth offer products with SKUs that suit and expansion continued by Bidco every pocket in over sixteen countries acquiring various brands from other that the company has footprint on. companies such as Elianto from Bidco Africa aims to grab, grow and Unga Group in 1994 and Kimbo and sustain the number 1 market share in Cowboy from in 2002. Africa by 2030. The company continues After the rocky start, overcoming its ‘Soil to Pan’ philosophy which in challenges with distribution and turn supports farmers by contracting marketing, Bidco managed to break into them with the assurance of an off- the market and became the success take market at competitive rates for they are today. their produce. Bidco currently has over 12,500 farmers growing various raw PRODUCT materials exclusively for them. Edible Oils: Bidco’s oils brands are the most trusted ACHIEVEMENTS in the region; manufactured from quality Bidco Africa has won over 30 awards and products and fortified to promote healthy recognitions in the last thirty-two years living. These include Elianto and Golden and is an acknowledged leader in the Fry and the Gold n’ Pure range which

24 comprises Olive Gold, Soya Gold and SunGold Lite. RECENT DEVELOPMENTS Edible Fats: Bidco Africa has recently launched three new Bidco’s fats are loved by generations of Kenyans products in the hygiene product category and raised with the exciting aroma and tastes of one in the edible oils category. these different heart friendly products in their Gental Care Fabric Softener homes. A Softener and Conditioner that has a long The white fats include the most famous of lasting fragrance and allows your clothes to smell them all – Kimbo, Mallo and Chipo. The yellow great for extended periods of time. Gental Care fats include the aroma inducing Cowboy, Chipsy Fabric Softener is available in three irresistible and Yello Gold. variants: Rosy Blossom, RainForest Mist and Margarines: Lavender Love Bidco has two margarine brands: Biddys and Gental Care Hand sanitizer Gold Band. Both are trans-fat free, loaded with This is a liquid hand disinfectant that kills 99.9% vitamins and minerals, easy to spread and with a germs with just one drop which gets hands clean smooth taste. without any water. With Neem extracts, they Baking Powder: give hands a cooling effect and leave them feeling Bidco caters to your baking needs with soft. It comes in four variants: Milk n’ Honey, Mariandazi, a multipurpose baking powder Breezy Blue, Blushing Pink and Aloe Vera. suitable for all baking applications. Gental Care Handwash Detergents and Laundry Soaps: This has an antibacterial agent that after a wash, Bidco is awash with products that keep laundry leaves hands moisturized, pleasant fragrances clean, bright and fragrant for longer. With and with a smooth feel. The product is also detergents and soaps containing antibacterial formulated to be able to lather on all types of sustainability. agents, stain removal power and fragrances. Detergents comprise PowerBoy Detergent, BRAND VALUES Powerboy Pro-Activ Liquid Detergent and Gental Bidco was started by a family and believes that Detergent. all employees and partners are a part of that Laundry soaps Whitestar, Nuru and Msafi. family; the Bidco Family. We believe in Africa, Personal Care: which can be seen in our commitment to using You feel you’re best when you look your best. local raw materials and making quality products This means glowing soft and smooth skin with that are affordable to all, regardless of their the added protection from bacteria and a little income. We believe in our products, ensuring fragrance to top it off. their quality and safety. We promote a sustainable Brands include Gaea Family bathing soap and business practice with the elimination of waste, Pure & Natural Beauty Bar. recycling and use of renewable energy. Hygiene: Bidco is committed to happy healthy homes www.bidcoafrica.com that are free of germs and enhance the lives of families. Nuru range of products include the scouring powder and dish washing liquid and paste. The paste and liquid leave your dishes sparkling and has antibacterial agents that kill germs. They also have vinegar power that help eliminate all odours. The all-purpose cleaning powder has an Things you didn’t know about extra strong formulation to remove tough stains and grime on surfaces, leaving them sparkling BIDCO clean. water. Kimbo Premium • The name BIDCO is derived from the first This is a heart friendly oil that is a blend of two initials of the names of the founder locally grown sunflower seeds, soyabean oil and patriarch, Mr Bhimji Depar Shah. and palm olein. The oil is rich in poly and • Bidco has a range of over 50 brands in its monounsaturated fatty acids, omega 3 and 6 products’ portfolio. hence suitable for salads, stewing, basting and • Bidco employs over 2,000 people directly shallow/stir frying. and provides for gainful employment in the value chain for approximately 20,000 PROMOTION people. Bidco’s brands are designed to enhance the • Kimbo and Elianto, the two famous quality of daily life. Their purpose is to promote Bidco brands, also hold the prestigious a Happy Healthy Living through spreading the Superbrands title. goodness of mother-nature in all homes. • Bidco sponsors a high flying National Super The message is communicated via extensive League team - Bidco United. advertising & media campaigns including strategically located billboards, promotions and • In 1985, Bidco produced one ton per special events. hour of product while today the company In addition to mainstream media and produces around 650 tons a day. advertising, Bidco believes in being a Socially • Bidco currently partners with over 30,000 Responsible Corporate (SRC) by not only farmers across East Africa, from whom doing good but through being good. It is this it buys products at market rates. The that informs the company’s focus on aiming at inclusive partnership ensures the farmers are supplied with seeds, subsidized fertilizer sustainability. This has been done through social and the latest counsel in agricultural investments in education, engagement with practices and technology. farmers and activities aimed at environmental

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