Nairobi, June 18 -- Spanish food producers are stepping up efforts to expand their presence in Kenya, betting on rising demand for imported foods and beverages among a growing middle class, expatriates and hotels.

Last week, 12 Spanish producers showcased a range of beverages and speciality foods in a Taste of Spain event held in Nairobi's Pax Manor hotel. Among them was David Bermudez of Aceitunas Cazorla, a Spanish olive producer exploring opportunities in Kenya.

"We want to bring olives into the Kenyan market, but not the normal ones that Kenyans know about," he told BDLife. "We would like to introduce flavoured olives."

The company produces olives marinated with ingredients such as garlic, pepper, olive oil, lemon, and orange, alon...