Kenya is expected to resume exports of mangoes to the European Union in December after a period of five years. Benjamin Tito, director of the Horticultural Crops Directorate, stated that the country imposed an export ban of the crop due to the presence of fruit flies which are classified as quarantine pests in the EU.
Tito claims that the east African nation has been able to manage the insects through the creation of pest-free zones in the mango growing areas. He observed that Kenya will begin with shipments to countries including Britain and France.
He noted that volumes to be sold will be guided by field assessments that determine the amount of produce that is free of pests, also claiming that currently, the country is only able to export ten percent of mangoes produced locally due to quality issues.
According to Tito, most of the mangoes destined for overseas sales are harvested before they are fully ripe so that by the time they arrive at the market they are ready for use.
Source: china.org.cn