Africa's top avocado producer resumes sea shipments on March 17, with new regulations to ensure fruit quality.

Kenya, Africa's largest avocado producer and exporter, will resume exporting the fruit by sea on March 17, the Food and Agriculture Authority (FAA) announced. The suspension, which began on October 25, 2024, was due to ripening problems in varieties such as Hass, Fuerte, and Pinkerton. During this period, some of the production was sold on the local market or used for avocado oil production, while only high-quality fruit was exported by air.

To guarantee fruit quality in this new phase, exporters must comply with mandatory inspections at packing facilities, which must be requested at least three days in advance. Furthermore, the AFA has established new regulations for the marketing and transport of avocados, with penalties for those who do not meet the standards.

Logistical challenges and annual production

One of the main obstacles facing the avocado industry in Kenya is the conflict in the Red Sea, which has forced exporters to use longer routes, such as the Cape of Hope route in South Africa, affecting the freshness of the product upon arrival at its destination.

Despite these challenges, the country maintains consistent avocado production year-round, with its peak season between March and September. According to Muthomi Ernest, CEO of the Kenya Avocado Society, 155,000 metric tons are expected to be exported this year, primarily to markets in the Netherlands, the United Arab Emirates, France, Spain, and Turkey.

Regulations to strengthen the industry

Authorities have implemented new regulations to improve the sector's competitiveness. In addition to mandatory warehouse inspections, exporters must register their sales agents by March 15 and work only with certified companies. Transportation regulations have also been strengthened, prohibiting the use of open vans or vehicles unsuitable for transporting fruit.

These measures aim to ensure that avocado production in Kenya meets international standards, protecting the country's reputation as a key supplier in the global market and guaranteeing that consumers receive a high-quality product.

Source: portalfruticola.com