In 2014, Bernard Githuthu Njoroge, a former director at Del Monte Kenya, made a bold and life-changing decision that left many in disbelief.
He chose to resign from his lucrative position, which came with a monthly salary of KSh 1 million, to embark on an ambitious journey: reviving the iconic Tree Top juice brand.
At the time, Tree Top had been absent from Kenyan supermarket shelves for over two decades, last appearing in stores in 1995. Njoroge’s vision was to reintroduce the beloved juice, which had been a staple in Kenyan households during the 1980s and ’90s.
Armed with extensive experience in the beverage industry, Njoroge established a state-of-the-art juice production facility in Juja under his company, Sky Foods Ltd. The project, which cost KSh 500 million, aimed to produce 12 million liters of juice annually. Sky Foods offered five unique flavors: orange, mango, apple, tropical, and a distinct strawberry-banana blend.
The initiative gained significant backing, with the Kenyan government, through the Industrial and Commercial Development Corporation (ICDC), investing KSh 100 million to support the company’s growth. Sky Foods also created over 600 jobs, fostering hope for a bright future for the business and its employees.
Despite the substantial investments and the nostalgic appeal of the Tree Top brand, the dream eventually unraveled. By September 2024, Sky Foods Ltd faced insolvency, and the High Court appointed an official receiver to manage the company’s affairs. The once-promising venture had met a tragic end.
In a notice dated September 30, 2024, the appointed administrator confirmed that Sky Foods had been placed under receivership on September 26.
“I, the official receiver, give notice that I have been appointed as administrator of the property of Sky Foods Ltd by the holder of a qualifying floating charge. The appointment is made effective from September 26, 2024, in accordance with the provisions of the Insolvency Act,” read part of the statement.
This declaration signified that the company’s assets and operations were now under the control of the administrator, tasked with determining its future. The notice further stipulated that no legal proceedings could be initiated against Sky Foods without the administrator’s consent, underscoring the gravity of the company’s financial predicament.
