Kenya’s Hass avocado exports to China surpassed 7 billion shillings in the three months to October 2022, exceeding earnings in the year’s first seven months.
Data from the Horticulture Crops Directorate under the Agriculture and Food Authority shows that the country earned 6 billion shillings from Hass avocado exports to China between January and July.
This increase highlights just how important the Asian market is since it started importing the commodity in August 2022.
Kenya started exporting Hass avocados to China in August after many years of waiting, occasioned by regulatory requirements by the authorities in Beijing.
The country has long been seeking the Chinese market, but there was a requirement that Kenya would only be allowed to ship frozen fruits instead of fresh ones.
In March 2022, China allowed Kenya to export fresh avocados, a departure from the previous directive that required the country to export only frozen fruit.
As one of the conditions to access the Asian market, Kenyan avocado producers and exporters must ensure that all their production farms, pack houses, and fumigation treatment facilities are registered.
Moreover, all the fresh Hass avocado fruits meant for export must comply with applicable Chinese phytosanitary (plant health) laws and regulations, health and safety standards, and be free from any quarantine pests of concern to China.
Authorities have been advised to ensure compliance with the required minimum levels of chemicals and pests on exports to ensure that the country’s fresh produce is not intercepted for non-compliance.
The fact that the country has earned 7 billion shillings on exports of avocados to the Chinese market in three months means that China presents an excellent opportunity for Kenyan farmers.
Demand projections for the consumption of the commodity locally and internationally are increasing due to its inherent characteristics and adherence to organic production.
The cost of production is low as it requires less labour. It is a perennial crop, resistant to diseases and pests, which gives Kenyan farmers a comparative advantage and is well placed for organically grown Hass avocado.
Globally, Kenya is the sixth largest exporter of commodities. The country accounts for 81.6 per cent of EAC avocado fruit produce.
