In Kenya, the avocado industry could be the next source of economic development. Thus, the country is ready to export its avocados to China in the context of increasing bilateral trade between the two countries.
The Kenyan lawyer is about to make his mark on the international market. Indeed, this export is one of the few in the world of fruit that has not lost momentum. On the African continent, Kenya and South Africa largely dominate the sector. In addition, since 2013, Kenya has made impressive progress in its operations. So in 2017, it became the largest producer with 51,500 tons of avocados. According to data from Trade Map (the tool developed by the International Trade Centre), export receipts jumped from $8 million in 2001 to $64 million in 2016. For example, Kenya accounts for about 30% of African avocado production and 41% of shipments.
China, a very favorable market for Kenya
The avocado seems to gain more and more popularity in the Chinese market. Especially thanks to its benefits for human health and the truly sustained prices that already encourage industry players to invest heavily in the sector. Moreover, among young Chinese people who have a fairly rigorous lifestyle in terms of health, avocado is a really nutrient-rich fruit. Although the country depends largely on importers such as Mexico, Chile and Peru, it should be noted that currently the price has increased in the market. The import season for Peruvian avocados is almost over and Mexican avocados are arriving in small numbers. This naturally drives up the price of avocados, which is now even higher than the same period in previous years.
Thus, according to the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the product will be the main tropical fruit traded by 2030, with exports of 3.9 million tons, surpassing pineapple and mango.
So, Kenya, very soon will launch its export activities to this Asian giant. However, the agreements are not yet finalized. In one of his press briefings in Nairobi, Okisegere Ojepat, executive director of the Fresh Produce Consortium of Kenya (FPC Kenya), said discussions were ongoing to approve the export of avocados to China.
In addition, the Kenyan and Chinese Phytosanitary Inspection Services need to inspect and resolve some technical issues to ensure that avocados for export meet quality and safety criteria, Ojepat said.
