Kabati: Avocado exporters have urged the government to tighten regulations in the fast-growing sector, warning that poor harvesting practices and unchecked competition are threatening Kenya’s position in the global market.
According to Kenya News Agency, the industry earned the country more than Sh25 billion last year.
Speaking during the association’s Annual General Meeting in Kabati, Murang’a County, the exporters pointed at mounting challenges including immature harvesting and farm-gate theft that risked undermining the progress made over the years. Mitul Shah, a Co-founder of Crofts Company which manufactures avocado oil for export, said the premature harvesting of fruits remained the most pressing concern.
‘Some buyers have raised complaints that Kenyan avocados no longer meet international standards. Immature fruits lack the right flavour and oil content, which hurts our reputation in the export market,’ he said. Shah explained that while farmers previously harvested twice a year, increased demand for avocado oil has pushed many to pick fruits throughout the year.
‘Before 2020, harvesting took place twice annually – early in the year and again around October. But the entry of more oil processors has led to year-round harvesting, including unripe fruits,’ he noted. The competition for raw fruits intensified after 2020, when new oil processing firms entered the market.
Currently, Kenya has 54 avocado oil plants, despite having only 32,000 hectares under avocado cultivation-a stark contrast to Mexico, which has 257,571 hectares and just 38 processing plants. Shah warned that the growing number of processors could overwhelm local production and further encourage immature harvesting.
‘Why export fruits that aren’t ready? The flavour and fat content of an avocado depend on its dry matter. Anything below 28 percent shouldn’t be sold,’ he warned. He estimated that the industry has already lost about Sh20 billion this year due to premature harvesting.
Out of 600,000 metric tonnes of avocados processed since January, only 30,000 tonnes of oil were produced, far below the 54,000-tonne capacity. The exporters’ association has welcomed the government’s move to suspend avocado shipments by sea from October 20 to allow fruits to mature.
‘Exports of Hass, Fuerte, Pinkerton, and Jumbo varieties will continue by air under strict inspection, with the decision set for review in January next year,’ said AEAK Chairperson Anthony Nderitu. He urged both county and national governments to support farmers to increase production and curb immature harvesting.
‘We have to work closely with the government, but the sector needs more coordination. Counties that do not currently produce avocados should be supported to start planting so we can meet the growing demand,’ he said. He noted that the number of oil processors could rise from 54 to 75 within a year, yet the current ones are already struggling to find enough fruits.
Nderitu further revealed that individuals who encourage farm theft are not registered members of the association, which enforces strict compliance among its 65 members. ‘We are moving towards full self-regulation to ensure all exporters follow the right standards and maintain sustainability in the sector,’ he said.
He also pointed to stiff competition from Peru, Mexico, and South Africa, which dominate the global avocado market between May and July. He said Kenyan exporters take advantage of the off-season months of February to April and August to October to maximise sales.
‘We need continuous farmer education on proper crop husbandry and the importance of harvesting only mature fruits. Every immature harvest is a direct loss to the farmer and the country,’ he emphasized.