Kenya will resume the export of avocado fruits in March this year after the Agricultural Food Authority (AFA) lifted its three-month suspension.
- This decision to resume avocado exports by Kenya comes after the Horticultural Crops Directorate (HCD) halted exports on November 3rd, 2023.
- The export of Fuerte and Hass avocados varieties by sea will be limited to sizes of 184 grams until the open export window fully reopens.
- The freeze was meant to curb the export of premature fruits, a practice that had severely harmed its reputation in the export markets.
Kenya exports its avocado fruits to the Netherlands, the United Arab Emirates, China, France, Spain, Turkey, the European Union, and the United States. AFA data shows that Kenya exports up to 20,000 metric tonnes of avocados annually to the European Union and the Middle East. Farmers mainly cultivate three varieties of avocados: Hass, Pinkerton, Fuerte, and Jumbo.
AFA says its recent field surveys across key production zones have indicated that the avocados have now reached the requisite maturity and volume for export.
“All export produce is subject to inspection by AFA-HCD inspectors. Exporters are required to apply for inspection at least three days before shipment,” said AFA in a statement.
Stiff rules have been put in place by the AFA to ensure compliance with both regulatory and market standards, including penalties for those found contravening set rules. Avocado varieties such as Hass, Fuerte, Pinkerton, and Jumbo are key to Kenya’s avocado export basket.
Despite facing significant obstacles such as smuggling and price instability, the East African economic powerhouse has remained a leading exporter of avocados and fostered local avocado oil extraction industries. Kenya has earned recognition from the UN FAO as one of the top 15 leading avocado-exporting nations in the world. The country stands top in Africa with production averaging 417,000 and at an impressive 6th position globally.
Avocado production in 2023 places Mexico at the forefront and other countries rapidly upping their game. Emerging countries including Vietnam, Brazil, and Israel contributed meaningful volumes, demonstrating the global popularity of avocado cultivation.
- In 2023 Mexico remained the top avocado producer, with over 2 million metric tons. Peru, Colombia, Indonesia, the Dominican Republic, and Kenya also had sizable outputs.
- In 2022, global avocado production was over 8.4 million metric tons. Mexico accounted for 30% of this output, with Colombia, Peru, and Kenya contributing 12%, 9%, and 6%, respectively.
- The future of avocado production looks bright, according to experts, boosted by technological advancements and increasing global demand.
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