The Cashew Nut Factory (CNF) of Kenya Nut Company started in the year 1998 as a pilot project in Malindi after it became evident that there was a ready local and international market for cashew nut products. In the year 2000 CNF commenced her processing operation in Thika. However, it was not until 2003 that fully-fledged raw material procurement and processing operation was realized. Between 1998 and 2004, the raw material procurement department expanded to five operational areas: Lamu, Malindi, Kilifi, Msambweni and Shimba Hills. Currently, the company is among the key stakeholders in African cashew nut industry.
This is the main processing facility under Kenya Nut Company. The factory is located in Thika town 52 Km north of Nairobi city and administratively in Kiambu county, Thika west district, Municipality division and Biashara location in Thika Town constituency. It currently employs more than 500 personnel on permanent and seasonal terms. It hosts raw macadamia processing, Value addition, beverages, finance, Engineering, procurement and human resources departments.
It is one of the top processors of Macadamia nuts in the world. The Company processes an array of products including Macadamia nuts, Cashews, coffee, Tea among others under the brands, Out of Africa, Nutfields, Nassu and Aberdare tea. Sales are both to the local market and exports to the USA, Australia, Japan and Europe.