Newman Foods Limited began with a simple, yet powerful purpose: to transform local abundance into lasting value. The earliest operations were rooted in Makindye, Kampala, a journey that rapidly evolved from a single rented room and a converted garage into the multi-million facility it is today.
The name Newman is taken from combining two words: ‘New’ and ‘man’, which symbolizes the desire at the company’s foundation to build something new and transformative from a challenging background.
The initial venture in 2013 involved exporting Ugandan vegetable produce where a persistent problem soon became an unexpected opportunity. A significant volume of hot peppers (kamulali) was being rejected for export due to breakage during transport causing loses to the farmers. Instead of discarding these otherwise perfectly consumable peppers, the company saw potential. This led to the launch of our first value-added product: UG Kamulali chili sauce in 2014.
Feedback from supermarket partners highlighted a significant market gap for a quality, stable, ready-to-drink banana drink (omubisi).
Embracing this challenge, Newman Foods partnered with scientists from the Uganda Research Institute (URI). The mission was to develop a stable version of the traditional banana drink (omubisi). The result was the award winning Konk Banana Juice—a name derived from the Luganda slang for “Concentrated,” instantly signifying a premium product.
Continuous market engagement led to the next major breakthrough: the untapped potential of Ugandan-made crisps. Newman Foods launched Newman’s (the flagship snack brand) in 2017. This product was an instant favorite, opening the floodgates for a vast portfolio of snacks that quickly secured shelf space in the major national retailers.
Today, Newman Foods Limited is proud to be a driving force in the “Made in Uganda” movement, boasting over 15 product categories and employing a dedicated team of over 300 people. We are driven by a dual commitment: to become a staple on every Ugandan shelf and to carry the “Made in Uganda” quality to the world, establishing ourselves as a top global supplier with the customer always at the core.
For us, the story has just begun.
To transform Ugandan agricultural abundance into Global Excellence, thereby earning a place for a Newman Foods product in every business and household.
To catalyze the adoption of modern, sustainable commercial farming practices, ensuring local Ugandan farmers thrive by transforming their high-quality produce into market-leading, high-quality products, and becoming the undisputed top supplier across the region.
Committing to sustainable partnerships and global excellence by delivering great fresh produce, snacks, and initiatives that measurably impact the lives of Ugandan outgrowers and satisfy consumers on a global scale.
We ensure our business is conducted with the highest standards of professional behavior and ethics. We are transparent, honest, and accountable in all our interactions with our outgrowers, fostering trust with every stakeholder.
Catalyzing long-lasting change by providing our outgrowers with the resources, training, and opportunity to thrive and take initiative. We encourage innovation to improve livelihoods, families, and the sustainability of the environments they farm.
We maintain an undisputed standard of excellence in every part of our value chain, from seed to snack. We take pride in delivering market-leading, high-value products that ensure customer satisfaction and secure our place as the top regional supplier.
