Belgian plantation group SIPEF has acquired Tiabam, a 450-hectare banana plantation in Côte d’Ivoire, through its local subsidiary Plantations J. Eglin. The deal, expected to close by the end of September, adds 320 hectares of existing banana cultivation to SIPEF’s portfolio. Managing Director Petra Meekers emphasized the acquisition’s role in diversifying SIPEF’s activities beyond palm oil, highlighting bananas as a nutritious and affordable staple with strong consumer demand.
Strategic Expansion in Côte d’Ivoire
Located near SIPEF’s Akoudjé estate in the Tiassalé area, Tiabam’s proximity allows the company to streamline operations. This consolidation is expected to reduce costs in procurement, technical management, logistics, packaging, and exports. By integrating Tiabam with existing operations, SIPEF aims to optimize resource use and enhance operational efficiency, leveraging shared infrastructure and expertise.
Tiabam currently employs nearly 400 people and produces 12,000 to 14,000 tons of bananas annually. Over 70% of this output is exported to Europe, with the remainder sold in Africa and locally in Côte d’Ivoire. The plantation’s workforce is primarily drawn from surrounding communities, contributing to local livelihoods and economic stability in the region.
Growth in Banana Production
The acquisition expands SIPEF’s banana operations, a key focus outside its palm oil business. With Tiabam, SIPEF now operates six estates in the Lagunes region, primarily cultivating the Cavendish Grande Naine variety for export. This variety is favored for its high yield, disease resistance, and suitability for long-distance transport, making it ideal for international markets.
In 2025, SIPEF’s Ivorian operations produced 52,159 tons of bananas, a 2.2% increase from the previous year despite challenging weather conditions, including heavy rainfall and storms. Integrating Tiabam is projected to boost annual production to nearly 70,000 tons, reflecting both the acquired plantation’s output and increased yields from recently developed areas at Akoudjé. Meekers noted that this growth would be achieved through volume increases and operational efficiencies.
Read Also: Boeing predicts 150% rise in Africa’s cargo fleet
For workers and local communities, this expansion could mean more stable employment and economic growth, though the environmental impact of intensified farming in the region remains a concern. SIPEF has committed to sustainable practices, including water management and soil conservation, to mitigate these impacts.
Côte d’Ivoire’s Rising Banana Industry
Côte d’Ivoire’s banana sector, the country’s largest in horticulture, has seen significant growth over the past decade. In 2024, sales reached CFAF 141.4 billion (US$250 million), doubling since 2015, according to Ivorian customs data. This growth is driven by increasing global demand for bananas, particularly in Europe, and the country’s favorable climate for cultivation.
In 2025, the country exported 271,000 tons of bananas, accounting for over one-third of Africa’s total exports, as reported by the FAO. Côte d’Ivoire’s strategic location and well-developed infrastructure have positioned it as a key player in the global banana market, with SIPEF playing a significant role in this expansion.
SIPEF’s acquisition positions the company to capitalize on growing European demand while solidifying its role as a leading producer in Côte d’Ivoire’s thriving banana market. By expanding its production capacity and optimizing operations, SIPEF aims to strengthen its market position and contribute to the continued growth of the Ivorian banana industry.
