Nairobi-based fresh produce exporter Kandia FPS Ltd has been working hard to improve the reputation of Kenyan avocados, and it’s 'paying off' this season with higher volumes going to Europe over the next few weeks. Director, David Mulwa, speaks with www.freshfruitportal.com.

"Kenyan avocados can match any other avocados grown anywhere else in the world," he says.

"Our reputation has definitely improved amongst European importers over the last year as there has been a big marketing effort from our end as exporters." 

Historically, some importers have been hesitant to work with Kenyan avocados, but following a push to improve growing practices, marketing and promotions, Kenya’s two main varieties, Hass and Fuerte, are making good ground.

"Previously it was not because the Kenyan avocado was of a lesser quality, but the image was somehow negative because of its appearance.

"We have made so much effort to make sure the fruit looks good because we realize it’s about creating a visual impression and this is what counts in the very beginning; even before a person tastes the fruit."

Mulwa works with hundreds of small-scale farmers in central Kenya and this season, which started in March and is due to last until July or even August, will see approximately 690 metric tons (MT) of export-ready fruit.

"The Fuerte tends to come in slightly earlier depending on the climate, but this year it was slightly affected by heavy rains last December, but we still got a decent crop.

"However, the Hass was ready from March and is looking much better in terms of quality and also because the farmers are improving their knowledge, expertise and techniques; the overall quality of the fruit is getting better all of the time.

"The first shipments are just arriving now so we’ll see how it pans out across the season. We expect some rain to come along and then we could have the fruit stretching to the first two weeks of August or thereabouts."

Competing with South Africa and Peru

As Kenyan avocados are gaining importance in Europe, Mulwa is acutely aware that multiple markets are needed in order to absorb the quantities expected to increase in the coming years as more Kenyan producers tap into the trend for avocado farming.

"At the moment there are quite low volumes coming out of South Africa and I would say that is one of the aspects which is helping us right now.

"I can’t speak conclusively since I’m not in South Africa, but the information I have is that the weather wasn’t very good there and so we are seeing a greater demand this season for Kenyan avocado and we attribute that partially to the production in South Africa.

"It’s also important to remember that aside from improving our quality, the market for avocados is growing worldwide, especially in Europe, as more consumers are thinking about the fruit’s health benefits."

Following logistical improvements, Russia is also absorbing smaller quantities from Kandia.

"We’re able to go to destinations that were previously extremely challenging, such as Russia.

"This wasn’t happening before because the transit times were much longer and we didn’t have good connections.

"Since these logistical improvements, we now supply this potential huge market and are able to ship avocados further and further."

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