Kenya is at the start of its avocado peak season. The peak season for Hass fruits is about to commence in the first week of March, with big volumes infiltrating the market from mid-March.
“Sincerely speaking, there has been little rain in the months of December and January. This has adversely affected the overall Avocado production for this season, and yields might be lower as compared to the previous year. Favorably, if we receive adequate rainfall in the coming months, we hope to have a better second crop later in the season,” says Jack, Business Development Manager at Avodemia Limited from Kenya .
“Kenya’s avocado season runs from March to October. These are really the peak months for Kenyan avocado exports. Last year we benefited from a strong season. Exports to China just opened for Kenyan avocados, and we established new clients in China,” Jack explains.
He continues: “We had no idea of the logistics and requirements entailed in shipping fresh avocados to China but having done a few consignments last season, we now have a clear picture of what is required of us. China’s GACC have to license each individual orchard, packhouse and Exporter of which we have met and complied with the protocol requirements. We currently have more farms in our program, hence we're in a stronger position to export to China than we were this time last year.”
Chinese importers are primarily sourcing Hass avocados. In addition, Avodemia Limited not only grows Hass but Fuerte avocados as well. For this crop, i.e., Fuerte, the company is looking for buyers in other regions.
“In addition to fresh avocados, we have developed a range of avocado products, including avocado oil, both crude and virgin,” says Jack: “Finally, we are looking to enter the international mango market this year. We grow Apple, Ngowe and Kent mangoes in Kenya. Kenya’s mango season starts in Mid-October to around January.”
Avocado production in Kenya
Kenya is an equatorial climate country. Most counties in Kenya receive a minimum of two rainy seasons. If there is adequate rain, Kenya has year-round avocado production. Hass avocado grows well in altitudes between 1000m to 2000m. The optimum temperature is 20 to 24 degrees Celsius.
Most of the Kenyan avocado farmers are found in Murang’a, Kiambu, Nyeri, Kirinyaga, Embu, Meru (the entire Mount Kenya region) and Kisii. The other regions where avocado farming is fast growing include Nakuru, Nandi, Bomet, Uasin Gishu, Trans- Nzoia, Bungoma, and Siaya counties. Avocados also do well in certain areas in Machakos County.
Avodemia Kenya is preparing for this year’s export season and actively looking for partners globally, not only in China but other regions.
"We strongly believe in exporting freshness Around the Globe", says Jack: "#THINK AVOCADO, THINK AVODEMIA, that's our slogan for this season".
For more information:
Jack Njoroge, Business Development Manager
Avodemia Limited
[email protected]
[email protected]
https://www.avodemia.com