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Kenya resumes avocado export after four-month hiatus

Kenya resumes avocado export after four-month hiatus. (AFP)

By Amina Wako | 16 Feb 2024

The decision to halt avocado exports in November 2023 aimed to ensure the maturity and quality of the fruit intended for international markets.

Kenya has officially resumed avocado harvesting for export after a four-month suspension. The move was announced by the Agriculture and Food Authority (AFA) through the Horticultural Crops Directorate (HCD).

The decision to halt avocado exports in November 2023 aimed to ensure the maturity and quality of the fruit intended for international markets.

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"All exporters are required to submit a list of their horticultural produce marketing agents or suppliers before February 26," the AFA stated in a notice released on Thursday.

"Exporters are also required to strictly transact with marketing agents with valid registration permits."

The lifting of the suspension comes after an avocado field survey conducted by the HCD in January to assess the maturity indices and volumes of the fruit in major production zones.

Initially, the survey deemed the fruits insufficient, leading to the extension of the restriction on avocado shipments by sea. However, the latest findings indicate an improvement in the maturity of avocado fruits in major production areas.

Kenya, a key player in avocado production in Africa, exports these fruits to various destinations, including the Netherlands, the United Arab Emirates, China, France, Spain, Turkey, the European Union, and the United States.

The HCD emphasised that all exported produce would undergo inspection by AFA-HCD inspectors, and exporters must apply for inspection at least three days before shipment.

Additionally, avocado dealers are required to take full responsibility for the production and post-production processes to ensure compliance with both regulatory and market requirements.

According to the AFA, Kenya exports up to 20,000 metric tonnes of avocados annually to the European Union and the Middle East.

The country primarily cultivates three avocado varieties—Hass, Pinkerton, Fuerte, and Jumbo.

In 2019, Kenya signed a significant deal to export avocados to China, expanding its market reach and contributing to the growth of its horticultural sector.