Extensive work is underway in the Kenyan avocado industry to further boost fruit quality as exporters look to significantly increase their share of the European market. 

HCD market research and product development manager Anne Gikonyo

Speaking to Fresh Fruit Portal at the London Produce Show, a representative of Kenya's Agriculture and Food Authority (AFA) said the country's growers had been "enlightened" on good agricultural practices in recent years.

The AFA's Horticultural Crops Directorate (HCD) market research and product development manager Anne Gikonyo said an increasing number of avocado growers were becoming GlobalG.A.P.-certified.

"By and large now we are improving the variety, and the planting material is improving," she said, adding avocados were the country's leading fruit export.

"The growers have been enlightened on good agricultural practices and so we have a good product. We are working backwards to ensure we’re supplying a quality product that meets the requirement of the European market."

Gikonyo explained avocado exports had been consistently increasing at an annual rate of around 5-7%. Most of the growth is driven by the Hass variety.

She added the industry may only control a slither of its main export market, but there were ambitious plans to boost the share.

"Right now we have about 1% of the European market, but we know the potential can go up to 10%," she said.

"The government has put in a lot of effort, especially for our vegetables and fruit that are grown by the smallholder farmers to ensure their product remains relevant."

Assistance from international entities has also been sought in the past when required, with Gikonyo highlighting advisors from the World Trade Organization's (WTO) subsidiary the International Trade Center (ITC) recently visited Kenya and were able to support 294 farmers.

Compared to competing countries like Peru, the representative pointed out one major difference in the Kenyan avocado sector was the higher proportion of smallholder growers, but added improving farming practices would help the industry greatly.

"There has been a paradigm  shift," she said.

"The crop is being taken more seriously and we are going to have new orchards. In terms of competition, yes it’s healthy, it’s good to benchmark with some of the best around us. I think what’s important is to keep the supply running."

Two of Kenya's biggest other fruit exports are mangoes, which are mainly shipped to the Middle East, and passionfruit, most of which are destined for Europe.

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