The Kenyan avocado season has just begun, on February 14, with green-skinned varieties, to be followed later by the Hass variety. This year, the industry continues to be marked by adverse climate effects, disrupting the timing of peak harvests.
Hassan Nandwa, Managing Director of Fawakih, anticipates a successful campaign nevertheless. He says, "The climate has really changed, and at times has become unpredictable. On the other hand, we are working hard to adapt. The avocado industry has a long history in the country, and growers have learned how to maintain quality and meet the market's requirements."
This year, climate change has had an impact on the timing of avocado flowering in the country, according to Nandwa. He explains: "This has tampered with production and delayed the season by one month, particularly for the Hass variety. Whereas we used to reach peak volumes in March, the norm is changing this year and we expect big volumes in April."
"On the other hand, quality is intact. The quality of Kenyan avocados is improving year on year, and we are confident of achieving the best quality standards of the market," he adds.
At the start of the season, Nandwa reports that demand is not weakening: "Global trade is also experiencing disruptions, but we see that demand for avocados remains solid. Kenyan origin remains resilient thanks to consistent quality. We can rely on our markets in Europe, the Middle East, and the Far East."
Growers' confidence in the stability of demand is reflected in the increase in avocado acreage this season, from 30,000 to 34,000 hectares, according to Nandwa.
Another major factor weighing on Kenyan exports this season is the never-ending crisis in the Red Sea. Nandwa comments, "We are doing our best to adopt the latest technologies to delay fruit ripening, for example by using active CA containers, ethylene absorbers, etc. and this challenge has really opened the eyes of Kenyan growers and exporters, leading to better quality."
For more information :
Elmiqdad Hassan Nandwa
Fawakih
Tel : +254 729 226831
Email: [email protected]
www.fawakihimportandexport.co.ke