Initially focused on organizing the fragmented apple and pear value chain, Yala’s early work involved mobilizing thousands of smallholder farmers through an out-grower model, significantly boosting productivity and quality. The company introduced standardized harvesting techniques, grading systems, and custom transportation and packaging methods, enabling premium fruit to reach high-end clientele such as Sheraton and Hilton Hotels, foreign embassies, the African Union, UNECA, and international agencies like FAO and ILRI. In doing so, Yala not only opened new markets for rural farmers but also established Chencha as a national hub for high-quality apple production.
The company’s next chapter began with a single comment from an elderly farmer during a training session:
“Apples come once a year. Milk comes every day.”
That wisdom sparked a strategic pivot. Recognizing the value of steady, year-round income, Yala diversified into the dairy sector—without losing its roots in fruit. Today, Yala Agro Industry is uniquely positioned at the intersection of two complementary value chains: fruit and dairy.
Innovation at the Crossroads: Apple-Infused Dairy for the Health-Conscious Market
By merging its core competencies in apples with dairy processing, Yala has begun developing high-value, health-focused products—ranging from apple-infused yogurts and smoothies to probiotic drinks and wellness snacks. These products cater to a growing demand for functional foods in urban Ethiopian markets and the broader region. Unlike conventional dairy products, Yala’s offerings carry the natural advantage of fruit-based nutrients, positioning them as premium, health-conscious alternatives for modern consumers.
Why Invest in Yala Agro Industry?

1. Proven Market Linkages: Established sales channels to elite buyers in Addis Ababa and proven demand for both fruit and dairy products.
2. Scalable Supply Chain: Thousands of organized out-growers already in place; systems built for expansion across new regions or product lines.
3. Diversified Revenue Model: Seasonal fruit sales balanced by year-round dairy income ensure financial resilience and cash flow consistency.
4. Strong Brand Identity: Deep-rooted authenticity and traceability—Yala’s story and location are not just assets, they’re differentiators.
5. Innovation-Driven R&D: Active product development blending apples and dairy into next-gen health products, aligned with urban health and wellness trends.
6. Socioeconomic Impact: Supporting rural livelihoods, especially women and youth, and driving rural-urban value creation.
   The Future is Ripe
   Yala’s future vision includes establishing a dedicated processing facility for fruit-dairy fusion products, expanding into retail health food chains, launching a “Chencha Naturals” product line for domestic and export markets, and eventually positioning itself as Ethiopia’s first vertically integrated fruit-and-dairy wellness brand.
   With targeted investment, Yala Agro Industry is ready to scale its operations, deepen its impact, and capture emerging market opportunities in the East African region and beyond.