Avocado exports to China hit Sh9bn in three months to May

Kenyan avocado exports to China hit Sh9 billion in the three months to May, defying stiff market competition from Chile – the world’s largest producer of the fruit.

Kenya exported seven million kilograms to Beijing between March and May this year as more farms and packaged homes enter the lucrative Chinese market.

is reading: Avocado exports to China earn Kenya Sh7bn in three months

The crop agency – the Kenya Plant Inspectorate (Kephis) – says the number of exporters licensed to access the Chinese market from January to date has risen to 78, comprising 58 farms and 20 packer houses.

This is an increase from 25 last year.

Kephis chief inspector Georges Momani said more farms and package houses are seeking access to the lucrative Chinese market that offers a good price compared to the traditional European and Middle Eastern markets.

We have seen an exponential increase in the demand for avocado exports to China. This has increased the profits the country derives from this new market,” said Mr. Momani.

He said Kenyan products face stiff competition from Chile, whose crop is in season and has flooded the Chinese market.

The official said, “The profits would be more than what we recorded had it not been for the Chilean fruits that flooded the Chinese market.”

Kenya started exporting avocados to China last August after many years of waiting, due to regulatory requirements by the authorities in Beijing.

The country has long been looking out for the Chinese market, but there was a stipulation that Kenya would only be allowed to ship frozen fruits, not fresh.

The logistics involved and the lack of necessary infrastructure have delayed access to the Chinese market since the agreement was first reached between Kenya and China in 2019.

When the market opened in August last year, avocado earnings for China recorded Sh7 billion in the three months to October, which exceeded the Sh6 billion that Kenya had earned between March and July of the same year, highlighting how important the Chinese market is for avocados. nation.

Producers and exporters wishing to export fresh avocados to China must ensure that all of their production farms, packing houses, and fumigation processing facilities are registered as one of the conditions for accessing this market.

is reading: Avocado exports resume as competing producers cease

All fresh avocados intended for export must also comply with applicable Chinese phytosanitary (plant health) laws and regulations, health and safety standards, and be free from any quarantine pests of concern to China.

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