- A hydropower plant that generates more than 70% of our annual energy needs, complemented by a growing solar network.
This is our story
Mount Elgon Orchards is one of Kenya’s oldest and most respected horticultural farms. Founded in the 1920s by a Swedish botanist — the grandfather of current owner Bob Andersen, our story is rooted in a century of growth, innovation and care.
Growth with purpose
The success of our farm has allowed us to grow in more ways than one. Through the Mount Elgon Trust, we support education, healthcare and community development.
We believe in caring for one another — and for the land we live on. Nearly half of our farm is reserved for natural flora and fauna, home to a variety of wildlife such as colobus and vervet monkeys, serval and genet cats, aardvarks and hundreds of bird species.
Aiming higher every day
Our dream is to become the world’s first carbon-negative farm (including transport to Europe), and rely entirely on rain-fed avocado production. Each day, we take another step toward that vision through innovation and teamwork.
Among our ongoing sustainability projects are:
- Reforestation and biodiversity initiatives that encourage natural forest regeneration and have already brought back indigenous species to the region.
- Rainwater harvesting systems that collect greenhouse run-off for avocado irrigation, saving millions of litres of water each year.
- Fertiliser recycling, helping us use fewer inputs while maintaining soil health and productivity.
1937
The rose nursery began supplying plants to gardens across Africa
1950s and 60s
avocados and other fruits were planted commercially
1992
Bob Andersen took over the family business, reintroducing roses and adding new crops such as Zantedeschia.
2000s
Expansion continued with the purchase of adjacent farms and the founding of Rose Handling Services BV in the Netherlands a step that strengthened quality and logistics.
2005
Mount Elgon Trust was established to give back to the people and communities who make our success possible.
2016 to 2022
116 hectares of Hass avocados were planted, and major steps were taken toward renewable energy: hydroelectric, solar and most recently floating solar power.
we stand for
Quality
After decades of growing roses, Mount Elgon Orchards has developed a trusted and recognised brand — The Elgon Collection.
we stand for
Responsibility
We know that quality begins with people. Taking care of those behind the process is essential to everything we do.
we stand for
Fun
We believe that enjoying your work makes a difference. Fun creates energy, and energy leads to better teamwork, better products and better results.
