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Avocado

Imports of fresh avocados to the European market have doubled from 2012 to 2016.
Kenya produces an estimated 115,000 metric tons of avocados annually, 70% of which are grown by small scale farmers.

Kenya is the sixth largest supplier of avocados to the European market.

Top Avocado Producers and Consumers

Food and Agriculture Organization Corporate Statistical Database

Avocado in East Africa

All the EAC’s Avocado exports to the EU market originate from Kenya and Tanzania and small quantities from Rwanda, Uganda and Burundi.

Trade Volumes of Avocado between 2015 – 2019 in USD

Sources: ITC calculations based on UN COMTRADE and ITC statistics.

Avocado Export volumes in 2019 from EAC Partner States

Sources: ITC calculations based on UN COMTRADE and ITC statistics.

Highlights of MARKUP interventions in the avocado sector

Interventions across all EAC Partner States

  • Nine SMEs from Kenya and 6 SMEs from Tanzania in the avocado and fresh produce exporting sector were supported to participate in the Fruit Logistica 2020 trade fair in Berlin and generated business leads worth about 20 million USD.
  • SMEs in the avocado and horticulture sectors were supported to participate in the MacFruit Trade Fair in Italy, resulting in an estimated USD 330,000 worth of sales and business leads. Two Kenyan companies attracted new investments leading to an increase in capacity of packaging fresh avocados from 50 to 500 tonnes.
  • Nine SMEs from the avocado sector in Kenya took part in an Export Quality Management and Food Safety Workshop to improve their compliance with prevailing market access and food safety requirements.
  • The Kenya Horticultural Crops Directorate (HCD) and the Tanzania Horticultural Association (TAHA) validated the international market opportunity study on the EU fresh avocado market. Available at https://www.eacmarkup.org/resources/publications/studies Ten SMEs in the avocado sector were selected to receive coaching by the MARKUP ‘Quality Champions’ (QCs). Quality Champions and SMEs agree on specific hands-on technical advice in the areas where it is most needed.
  • Eight SMEs and associated producer groups in the avocado sector in Tanzania are to undergo Global Gap Diagnostic Analysis. Upon completion, the SMEs will be supported to achieve Option II Globalgap, a certification for enhanced market access.
  • The following studies have been launched in Kenya: Analysis of Value Chain Challenges for Horticultural Products; Analysis of Value Chain Challenges for Nuts and Oilseeds; Assessment of Quality Infrastructure Services for Fruits and Vegetables and Nuts.
  • In Rwanda, 23 SMEs participated in training in post-harvest management for fine beans of which 8 companies have been selected to participate in a coaching programme. 2 companies have reported improved harvesting techniques, reduced pest infestation, improved irrigation systems, leading to better water supply, Improved washing, packing and handling techniques.