The Kenyan avocado season starts from Mid-February for greenskin and mid-March for Hass through November. However, in 2021 Kenya had the advantage of a second crop for both Hass and Fuerte from the end of November 2021 to End of Jan 2022.
The HCD (Horticultural Crops Directorate) has been very strict in the approval for export of avocados during this period to ensure quality is maintained for exports. The HCD has halted the export of avocado effective 30th Jan 2022. A review is expected for the opening of the 2022 season on 15th Feb 2022 by the regulator in consultation with industry stakeholders, according to Josphat Munyao from Kenyan avocado exporter Riziki Fresh.
Riziki Fresh export avocados to The Netherlands, France, Russia, Ukraine, Poland, UAE and Turkey. With 80% of the Hass variety going to Netherlands and France, while Turkey and UAE only take Fuerte. Russia and Ukraine take both Hass and Fuerte, though they are big on Greenskin. It is hoped that this year China will be open for fresh avocados from Kenya.
"We are looking at expanding to new markets to meet our capacity and projection as a company. There is a growing demand around the world for high quality avocados due to their health benefits. We want to position our company to satisfy these needs," said Josphat.
Riziki Fresh expect to ship about 150 containers in 2022. "We have invested a lot on a new processing machine and cold-room facility in our packhouse to ensure that we ship greater volumes and the right quality of avocados to our overseas clients."
Riziki Fresh have their own orchards of both Fuerte and Hass and also supplement the volumes from than 800 small and medium growers. This combination has enables them to supply avocado for 9 months of the year.
"We expect to increase our production by more than 300% in the next three years. This will be attributed to our investment in workers, increased acreage of orchards and growers, and the new facility installations in our packhouse."
For more information:
Josphat Munyao
Riziki Fresh
Tel.: +254 723 224444
Email: munyao@rizikifresh.co.ke
www.rizikifresh.co.ke