Introduction

Based on recent statistics from C.B.I., Latin America has been leading in avocado exports, sending the highest volumes to European nations. But, at the same time, demand for avocados from Africa has also increased exponentially, if not faster. As the markets continue to grow, more production is required to sustain the consumers in Europe and other nations. In Kenya, for instance, new markets have emerged, with the country exporting Hass avocado to China and Mauritius. The demand is also increasing in Europe, Asia, and Middle East countries. So, what are the emerging opportunities and challenges that Kenyan and East African exporters expect?

  • Seasonal Gap Provides Opportunities

Currently, the avocado supply in most parts o Europe is dominated by Peru. Compared to the Peruvian season, the Kenyan and East African season has an extended period, starting earlier and finishing a little later. In March, for instance, the Peruvian season has not yet started. This provides opportunities to Mozambique, Tanzania, and Kenyan suppliers and farmers, since the season starts in early February. Also, the Peruvian supply runs out in September. At this time, the Kenyan and Tanzanian supply is still available. These seasonal gaps provide opportunities to Kenyan suppliers and producers before other importers from Mexico, Chile, Colombia, Spain, Morocco, and Israel transition into suppliers.

  • Quality Problems Create Challenges

Most parts of East Africa provide a favorable climate for fruit production. Production costs and distance to markets are relatively low. But, penetrating the European markets goes beyond seasonal gaps and competitive prices. Quality is a major challenge that affects most producers. This is characterized by poor growing practices, pests, and diseases such as anthracnose, lack of adequate knowledge in avocado farming, issues in the supply chain, and long transit times. Homogeneity of the fruit is also another challenge, making ripening more difficult. Europe has strict quality demands to maintain the marketability of the fruits. Apart from tight MRL requirements, certification is required to ensure that the produce complies with standards such as GLOBAL G.A.P. and sustainability and food safety standards. Lately, the quality of fruits has improved with technical assistance from professionals to avocado growers.

  • Logistics Issues

Logistics is another issue that affects the avocado value chain. The transit time may take longer than expected compared to other countries such as Peru. Besides, available shipping options in the country may also be limited. For this reason, the quality of some fruits may deteriorate as it might be hard to prevent them from ripening in transit. However, these days, many exporters are improving their cold chain management. These are important to make it easier for Kenyan suppliers to remain compatible with European demand.

Our joy as OxfarmAg is seeing farmers and suppliers produce high-quality fruits and smoothly get into the European market. We provide farmers with exceptional agronomy support to assist employ proper production practices and adhere to the European quality standards. Besides, we offer certified, high-quality seedlings to enable farmers to grow with confidence. Contact us today, and our team of experts will be ready to assist you!

For more information;
Nairobi region - 0769623300
Mr. Cliff
WhatsApp: https://wa.me/254769623300

Eldoret region - 0710588060
Mr. Duncan
WhatsApp: https://wa.me/254710588060

Nakuru region- 0740000044
Ms. Caroline
WhatsApp: https://wa.me/254740000044

Mt Kenya region - 0742194880
Mr. Nick
WhatsApp: https://wa.me/254742194880

Western region - 0706222888
Mr. Asman
WhatsApp: https://wa.me/254706222888