Nairobi, Kenya – The second International Africa Avocado Congress commenced in the Kenyan capital on Wednesday, attracting senior officials, industry leaders, and small-scale growers. The primary objective of the conference is to increase the volume of avocados exported to China, a rapidly growing market for the highly sought-after fruit. With over 90 exhibitors in attendance, the three-day event will feature seminars, exhibitions, and the signing of deals among players in the avocado value chains.
Phillip Kello Harsama, principal secretary at the State Department for Crop Development in Kenya’s Ministry of Agriculture, emphasised the significance of expanding avocado exports to China, noting that it would greatly contribute to the country’s foreign exchange earnings. Harsama acknowledged the Chinese market’s preference for the Kenyan-grown Hass variety, prompting efforts to encourage local farmers to cultivate this specific type.
As the largest avocado producer and exporter in Africa and the seventh globally, Kenya earns approximately 15 billion Kenyan shillings (108 million U.S. dollars) annually from its avocado industry, according to Theophilus Mutui, managing director of the Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service. To further boost avocado exports to emerging markets such as China, the government has prioritised the enforcement of sanitary measures, improved pest and disease management, and quality post-harvest storage.
Ernest Muthomi, CEO of the Avocado Society of Kenya, revealed that the congress expects around 3,000 visitors from around the world. He emphasised that the event serves as an opportunity for key stakeholders to share best practices in agronomic practices and post-harvest management, aiming to enhance the competitiveness of locally-grown avocados in foreign markets. Muthomi highlighted China as a particularly lucrative market for Kenyan avocados, as retail chains in the Asian nation have shown an increasing interest in the tropical fruit.
Jason Wang, sales director of FstSort, a leading Chinese manufacturer of automatic processing equipment for post-harvest preservation and treatment of fresh produce, expressed his company’s eagerness to establish partnerships with local avocado growers and exporters. The goal is to improve sorting, cleaning, weighing, and packaging processes to meet the stringent requirements of overseas markets. Participating in the conference not only enables FstSort to explore potential clients but also allows them to expand their footprint in Africa.
Zia Ali, operations director of Sunripe Group, a prominent local exporter of avocados to China, shared his positive experiences regarding the reception of Kenyan-grown Hass avocados in the Chinese market. Ali announced the company’s plans to increase shipments to China during the June-September harvest season, further solidifying Kenya’s position as a reliable supplier.
The second International Africa Avocado Congress serves as a platform for key industry players to harness the potential of the Chinese market and bolster Kenya’s avocado exports. With the implementation of improved agricultural practices, stringent quality control measures, and collaborations between local growers, exporters, and international equipment manufacturers, Kenya aims to seize the opportunity presented by China’s growing demand for avocados.
