Kenya's rich culinary scene reflects centuries of trade and cross-cultural interaction, with traditional dishes featuring a mix of indigenous herbs, spices and locally grown ingredients.
In recent years, however, there has been a growing trend to explore and embrace innovative international flavours. Increased interest in food innovation has encouraged local entrepreneurs to create new products that push culinary boundaries and cater to the growing tastes of modern Kenyans.
With food enthusiasts eager to experiment with new flavours, Flavour Infusion Limited hopes to spark excitement in the kitchen by elevating the cooking experience.
Founded in 2022 by Lillian Katungwa, the innovative company is elevating cooking experiences across Kenya and beyond with a delicious range of infused oils that capture the essence of locally sourced herbs and spices.
The company goes beyond traditional cooking by celebrating the rich flavours of Kenya, transforming ordinary meals into extraordinary culinary masterpieces.
Specialising in value-added edible oils, the company expertly blends herbs and spices into high quality cooking oils.
Lillian Katungwa of Flavour Infusion Limited arranges products at her stand at Rosslyn Square Luxury Mall in Nairobi on April 12, 2025.
Photo credit: Bonface Bogita | Nation
Driven by creativity and a commitment to supporting local produce, Flavour Infusion is changing the way Kenyans cook and reshaping the culinary landscape itself.
Ms Katungwa's background in management, administration and hospitality has given her the skills to thrive in the world of food production.
“Flavour Infusion Ltd started as a modest venture in my kitchen, driven by my passion for culinary authenticity and innovation. The company was founded to capture the essence of nature’s herbs and spices in our edible oils,” she explains.
Her goal is to provide quality alternatives to imported products while celebrating local ingredients and supporting the 'buy Kenya, build Kenya' initiative.
The essence of Flavour Infusion is to simplify the cooking process while ensuring safety and quality. The infused oils save time and allow consumers to easily incorporate rich flavours into their meals without the need for lengthy preparation.
By using locally sourced raw materials, the company meets the evolving tastes of consumers while supporting local farmers and producers.
“My venture into value addition is guided by the principle of ‘waste not, want not’. This ethos resonates deeply with my belief that every ingredient can be transformed to elevate everyday meals,” she says.
Recognising the potential to bring creativity to both products and consumers' lives, she embraced the challenge with enthusiasm and positioned her company as a pioneer in the value-added edible oil sector.
She started the business with an initial investment from personal savings and angel investors. This capital was essential for registering the business, acquiring raw materials and establishing production capacity.
Despite its recent inception, Flavour Infusion has achieved notable milestones. The company has received certification, ensuring that its products meet stringent quality and safety standards.
It has also been approved by the Kenya Export Promotion & Branding Agency (KEPROBA) to use the 'Made in Kenya' mark.
Flavour Infusion Limited products on display at Rosslyn Square Luxury Mall in Nairobi on April 12, 2025.
Photo credit: Bonface Bogita | Nation
A major highlight was the opportunity to showcase its products to President William Ruto at the 2023 Nairobi International Trade Fair, facilitated by the Micro and Small Enterprise Authority (MSEA).
“We currently offer an extensive range of nine infused oil flavours: basil, chili, chives, garlic, ginger, mint, rosemary, sage and thyme. Each flavour is meticulously crafted to inspire culinary creativity and enhance sauces, marinades, seasonings and condiments,” Ms Katungwa says.
The product range reflects the commitment to authenticity and quality, making it particularly appealing to food enthusiasts and health-conscious consumers.
In a competitive market, Flavour Infusion has carved out a niche for itself through innovation, with a focus on quality and authenticity. The company appeals to a clientele that values local products and innovative culinary solutions.
The production process begins with the careful selection of raw ingredients sourced from trusted suppliers. These ingredients are meticulously processed and blended with an emphasis on preserving their natural essence.
She uses locally sourced, high quality virgin macadamia oil as the base for her infused oils. No artificial colours or flavours are added, resulting in a 100 percent natural taste.
“Once I infuse the ingredients, I allow them to settle for a reasonable amount of time in a cool, dry space. Once perfected, the products are then packaged and prepared for distribution,” Ms Katungwa explains.
Since its inception, Flavour Infusion has served hundreds of customers and aims to expand its reach to thousands, both locally and globally. The company caters to foodies, health enthusiasts and anyone looking to enhance their culinary experience with high quality, flavourful oils.
Noting that her oils are mainly used for salads, kachumbari, marinades and sauces, as well as dips or for making mayonnaise, the products are priced at Sh995. She is currently using social media platforms as part of her marketing strategy.
Flavour Infusion Limited products on display at Rosslyn Square Luxury Mall in Nairobi on April 12, 2025.
Photo credit: Bonface Bogita | Nation
Efforts are underway to expand the distribution network to include a wide range of stockists such as speciality food stores, supermarkets and selected gourmet outlets.
Like many start-ups, the company faced initial challenges, including sourcing suitable packaging and securing consistent funding to scale up production while maintaining product quality.
Through Ms Katungwa's resilience and innovative strategies, the company has skilfully overcome hurdles, allowing it to focus on product development and expanding its market reach.
Beyond its business achievements, the company is committed to making a positive impact on society. It prioritises the promotion of economic growth, job creation and gender equality in the workplace.
“Supporting local farmers who use sustainable farming practices to grow the herbs and spices that go into the oils and using locally sourced ingredients, we play a crucial role in enhancing the sustainability of Kenya's agricultural sector,” she notes.
Flavour Infusion is exploring the possibility of expanding beyond oils into other value-added products such as marinades and dressings.
The company is also keen to expand its export footprint and plans to reach more international markets where there is a growing demand for unique, locally sourced and high quality food products.
With an unwavering commitment to quality and authenticity, the company strives to deliver exceptional taste experiences to consumers around the world.
