The avocado season in Kenya has gotten off to a successful start despite logistical challenges in the Red Sea, reports Paul Kyalo, managing director of Konza Tropicals Limited, a Kenyan tropical fruit exporter. More than 70% of Kenyan avocados are being purchased by Europe, followed by the Middle East, Asia (including China), Turkey, and Russia. However, a shortage of refrigerated containers has caused shipping delays.

Transit times to Europe have lengthened significantly due to the crisis in the Red Sea. Shipments from Mombasa to key destinations like Rotterdam now require between 37 and over 40 days, and those to Turkey exceed 45 days. Although the Middle Eastern and Asian markets remain robust, the delays are impacting exporters' revenues as they disrupt weekly shipping schedules.

Despite these challenges, Kenyan avocados continue to arrive at their destinations in excellent condition, and no doors have been closed for their sale. Producers would prefer to extend the harvest to take advantage of a more profitable second half of the year, as the July-to-November harvest offers excellent quality and better prices.

For avocados that cannot be exported, oil production presents a promising alternative. Kenya is the world's second-largest producer and exporter of avocado oil and is looking to expand its access to Middle Eastern and Asian markets. Investment and optimism regarding the growth of avocado and oil production, processing, and exports in Kenya remain strong for the future, according to Kyalo.

Source: Fresh Plaza