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History

OUR HISTORY

Eldoville: From a Single Cow to a Culinary Leader

Welcome to Eldoville, a thriving family farm nestled in the beautiful Nyandarua region of Kenya, just 6 km from Oljororok town. Founded and owned by Lucy and James Karuga, our journey is a testament to the power of vision, quality, and relentless innovation.

Our Humble Beginnings

Eldoville's story began in June 1985 with a simple, yet powerful, vision from Mrs Lucy Karuga: to add value to milk by creating premium yoghurt, cream, and cheeses. Having lived in Geneva, Switzerland, with her husband, Lucy brought back invaluable knowledge in dairy processing.

Our foundation was literally laid with a single crossbred cow, "Kioo," which provided a steady 20 litres of milk daily. Lucy purchased a hand cream separator, and with just 2 litres of cream per day, our business was born.

Quality That Opens Doors
Lucy's first big break came when a friend introduced her to the prestigious Hotel Intercontinental in Nairobi. Although the hotel needed 20 litres of cream daily and she only had two, this encouragement was all she needed. Lucy and James invested in Jersey cows, known for their high-cream milk, and within a year, we were consistently supplying the hotel with 5 litres of high-quality cream per day.

Lucy personally delivered the cream, always seeking the chef's feedback. Impressed with the quality and service, the chef soon challenged her: could Eldoville supply yoghurt for their breakfast service?

Innovating Our Way to Success

We rose to the occasion. Within a month, Eldoville provided yoghurt samples, and the delighted chef introduced us to four other five-star hotels. In just over a year, Eldoville was producing around 50 litres of yoghurt daily in ten different flavours! The hotels' demand for quality expanded our mission. They asked if we could supply fresh fruits and vegetables from the farm. We quickly shifted to value-added products —ready-to-eat and ready-to-cook—from potato chips and shredded vegetables to peeled carrots and diced fruits—all delivered in our clean vehicles. Eldoville effectively became a caterer to other caterers.

Expanding Our Product Portfolio

In 2005, our vision for cheese production became a reality with the support of DANIDA. A Danish cheese expert trained our staff, and today, we proudly process eight types of cheese, including Cheddar, Mozzarella, Feta, Paneer, Cream Cheese, Brie, and Camembert.
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A significant milestone was achieved when Eldoville's single-portion 20-gram cheeses replaced European imports and began being served on all international airlines receiving food from the NAS kitchen at JKIA. In 2009, we further expanded our airline supply with single-portion butter packs. Our commitment to innovation continues!

In 2017, we introduced WHEY COOL, a protein and mineral-rich drink made from cheese whey, specifically formulated to appeal to the youth market.

Partners and Quality Assurance

Our strict adherence to quality is paramount. We are proud recipients of:

  • HACCP Certificate (SGS, 2007) for hygiene and quality practices.
  •  ISO 22000-2005 (January 2011), the international certificate of food hygiene. 
  •  FSSC 22000 Version 5.1 (SGS, May 2023). 
    Today, Eldoville is a trusted supplier to major institutions, including Nairobi Hospital, Aga Khan Hospital, Carnivore, Karen Hospital, and key industry players like Cold Stone Franchise (Sweet Cream Mix), Delmonte in Thika (passion pulp), and LSG Sky Chefs at JKIA (cheese). From our origins as a small family farm, we have grown to employ 55 dedicated staff members and have served as a demonstration farm for schools and hosted numerous international visitors, including heads of state. Eldoville's vision remains clear: to be the leader in value addition within the dairy sector and food processing across Kenya and the Eastern Africa region.
    James & Lucy (Founders)

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    Our Services

    Explore our diverse services that range from premium dairy products to ready-to-cook vegetables, designed to meet the needs of modern consumers who value quality and convenience.

    Premium Dairy Products

    Our premium milk, creamy yoghurts, and exceptional artisan cheeses are crafted with care, ensuring the highest quality standards recognized nationally for excellence.

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    Fresh Vegetables and Produce

    We cultivate fresh, nutritious vegetables and produce, guaranteeing that every ingredient is processed with care for your health and enjoyment.

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    Ready-to-Cook Meals

    Simplify meal preparation with our selection of ready-to-cook vegetables, perfect for busy families seeking healthy and delicious options.

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    Artisan Cheeses

    Our award-winning artisan cheeses, including brie and cheddar, are crafted with expert techniques, ensuring rich flavors and exceptional quality for discerning palates.

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    Key Features of Our Offerings

    Discover the unique features of our dairy and gourmet products that set us apart in the industry and highlight our commitment to quality.

    Locally Sourced Ingredients

    We use only the freshest, locally sourced ingredients, ensuring that our products are not only delicious but also support local farmers.

    Award-Winning Quality

    Our dedication to excellence is recognized with numerous accolades, including multiple first-place awards at the East African Cheese Festival.

    Innovation in Dairy Production

    Utilizing the latest technology in dairy farming and production, we consistently innovate to enhance quality and flavor.

    Sustainable Practices

    We are committed to sustainable farming practices, prioritizing the environment while delivering nourishing products to our customers.

    Diverse Product Range

    Our extensive range of products caters to all tastes and dietary requirements, from traditional dairy to artisanal gourmet options.

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