Commentary on the avocado market in Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda and Uganda.
Kenya is maintaining the closure of the avocado season for sea exports, while Tanzania is starting its season, and Rwanda and Uganda are focusing on maritime shipping.
In a recent communication, the Horticultural Crops Directorate of the Kenya Agriculture and Food Authority updated the 2024 avocado export season for Kenya. The Directorate regulates the horticulture sector by enforcing standards and guidelines to ensure that quality products are produced and marketed.
The letter said the following:
“Following the closure of the harvest and export season by sea for the Hass, Pinkerton, Fuerte, and Jumbo varieties for the 2023/2024 fiscal year on November 3, 2023, the Directorate has been closely monitoring harvest trends, patterns, and product maturity. To this end, the Directorate recently conducted a survey to determine avocado fruit maturity indices in the main production areas. The survey results indicate that the volumes of mature, out-of-season crops are still insufficient to justify opening up exports by sea.”
Therefore, the following is hereby notified:
1. The closure of the harvest season for shipment by sea for the fiscal year 2023/2024, which came into effect on 3 November 2023, remains in effect until further notice.
2. The export of Hass, Fuerte, Pinkerton and Jumbo varieties will continue through air shipments.
3. The notice applies to all exporters, importers, and processors.”
On the other hand, Tanzania has started the 2024 avocado season in selected regions such as Njombe, Rungwe and Songwe.
The outlook for avocado production in the East African region is growing exponentially, with various investments observed in the establishment of new orchards, packing facilities and value-added factories established in the processing of avocado oil.
Quality assurance and compliance across the avocado value chain remain a key priority for various stakeholders, including governments, producers, exporters, and development partners.
Uganda and Rwanda have not lagged behind in avocado developments within East Africa, as they focus on increasing export volumes by sea freight.
We will keep our followers informed about avocado developments in the East African region.
Paul Kyalo
