In a major announcement set to impact Kenya’s agricultural economy, the Agriculture and Food Authority (AFA) has confirmed the resumption of Hass avocado exports by sea starting March 17, 2025. This news brings a wave of optimism among avocado farmers, exporters, and stakeholders in the country’s lucrative horticulture sector.
The decision to reopen exports follows months of crop assessments and strategic planning. Sea shipments of avocados, specifically the Hass, Fuerte, and Pinkerton varieties, had been suspended on October 25, 2024, due to concerns over the immaturity of the fruit. Such measures were necessary to protect Kenya’s reputation in international markets, where demand for high-quality avocados continues to surge.
Maturity Standards: A Critical Factor in Export Approval
The suspension last year was not without good reason. In the global horticulture industry, fruit maturity is a crucial determinant of quality. Exporting immature avocados can lead to poor shelf life, dissatisfaction among international consumers, and loss of key market trust — outcomes Kenya could ill-afford given the competitive nature of the global avocado market.
According to AFA Director-General Bruno Linyiru, the new decision is based on improved maturity levels observed across Kenya’s major avocado-growing regions. In his official statement, Linyiru said,
“The harvesting of avocado (Hass variety) for exports by sea shipment will come into force from 17th March 2025.”
This follows the earlier reinstatement of Fuerte and Pinkerton avocado exports on February 7, 2025, after similar field evaluations confirmed that these varieties had reached optimal maturity for harvesting and shipping.
The government’s careful, phased approach reflects a broader commitment to ensuring that Kenya’s horticulture exports consistently meet international quality standards.
Mandatory Inspections and Stricter Compliance Measures
Exporters looking to take advantage of the resumption must comply with stringent measures introduced by the AFA. These guidelines include:
- Mandatory Packhouse Inspections: Exporters must apply for inspection at least three days before the intended shipment date. These inspections ensure that only avocados that meet the maturity, quality, and safety standards are allowed for export.
- Registered Horticulture Produce Marketing Agents (HPMA): Exporters must submit the list of their authorized HPMA by March 15, 2025. Only agents with valid registration certificates will be allowed to operate. This measure aims to weed out unscrupulous agents who may jeopardize Kenya’s market reputation by mishandling produce.
- Proper Transportation Practices: The AFA has emphasized the use of crates and covered vehicles for transporting avocados. Transporting avocados without crates or using open vehicles will attract penalties. Such practices damage fruits, reducing their quality before they even reach the packhouses or ports.
By implementing these robust compliance measures, Kenya aims to strengthen its position as a top supplier of premium avocados to international markets, particularly Europe, the Middle East, and China.
East African Community (EAC) Harmonization
Interestingly, Kenya’s decision to tighten avocado export standards will also extend to fruits sourced from other East African Community (EAC) member states. Avocados entering Kenya for re-export must come with proper import documentation, and will be subjected to the same strict inspection regimes.
This regional approach ensures that the standards applied to Kenyan avocados are not undermined by lower-quality imports from neighboring countries, preserving the overall integrity of the export supply chain.
The Economic Impact of Avocado Exports
Avocado farming has grown into one of Kenya’s most profitable agricultural ventures. Kenya is currently Africa’s largest avocado exporter and ranks among the top 10 global suppliers. According to the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS), avocado exports earned the country over Ksh 19 billion in 2023, and the figure was projected to grow even further before the October 2024 suspension.
The resumption of Hass avocado exports is expected to:
- Boost Farmers’ Income: Thousands of smallholder farmers across counties like Murang’a, Kiambu, Meru, Nyeri, Nakuru, and Kisii rely on avocado farming for their livelihoods. The reopening of exports will mean better prices and reliable market access for their produce.
- Enhance Foreign Exchange Earnings: With increased shipments expected in 2025, Kenya’s foreign exchange reserves are likely to benefit, strengthening the country’s balance of payments.
- Create Jobs Across the Value Chain: From harvesting, transportation, packhouse operations, and shipping logistics, the entire avocado value chain is set to experience a revival, creating jobs for thousands of Kenyans.
- Promote Investment: Kenya’s commitment to quality and compliance could attract new international buyers and investors interested in partnerships with Kenyan exporters and farmers.
The Importance of Avocado Maturity: Understanding Dry Matter Content
One of the key parameters that AFA uses to determine the readiness of avocados for export is dry matter content. Mature avocados have a higher dry matter percentage, meaning the fruit will ripen properly after shipment, without shriveling or developing poor taste.
For the Hass variety, the recommended minimum dry matter content is typically around 23–25%. Immature fruits have lower dry matter content and ripen poorly, leading to a rubbery texture, off-flavors, and higher incidences of post-harvest losses.
By prioritizing maturity in its export protocols, Kenya is making a strategic investment in its long-term competitiveness in the global avocado market.
The Challenge of Balancing Speed and Quality
While farmers and exporters are eager to capitalize on lucrative markets, the Kenyan government has made it clear that speed cannot come at the expense of quality. Over the years, Kenya has faced stiff competition from countries like Peru, Mexico, and South Africa — all of which have well-developed avocado export industries.
Maintaining high standards is crucial if Kenyan avocados are to continue commanding premium prices and securing loyal customers abroad.
This is why exporters are being urged not just to rush to market but to work closely with certified Horticulture Produce Marketing Agents and approved inspection authorities.
Preparing for the Future: What Farmers and Exporters Should Do
With the resumption of Hass avocado exports now official, stakeholders must prepare adequately to ensure compliance and maximize profits.
Here’s what farmers and exporters should prioritize:
- Harvest at the Right Time: Farmers should ensure that harvesting is only done when fruits have reached the correct maturity levels. Picking fruits too early will not only damage market confidence but could also result in hefty penalties.
- Invest in Proper Post-Harvest Handling: Simple interventions like using clean crates, handling fruits gently to avoid bruising, and transporting them under shade can make a significant difference in quality.
- Work with Certified Agents: Farmers and exporters should verify that the agents they work with have valid Horticulture Produce Marketing Agent certificates from the AFA.
- Participate in Training Programs: Exporters and farmers should embrace training opportunities offered by bodies like AFA, county governments, and private sector players. Training programs can equip them with best practices on harvesting, packaging, transportation, and export documentation.
- Stay Updated with Market Requirements: Different international markets have varying quality, phytosanitary, and labeling requirements. Staying informed ensures that Kenyan exporters meet these standards and avoid costly rejections at destination ports.
Kenya’s Position in the Global Avocado Market
Globally, avocado demand has been rising sharply, driven by health-conscious consumers in Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. Avocados are rich in healthy fats, fiber, and essential nutrients, earning them the status of a “superfood.”
Kenya’s climate — characterized by tropical and subtropical conditions — is ideal for avocado farming. In addition, the country’s two harvesting seasons (March–July and September–November) allow it to fill supply gaps in the global market when other major exporters like Mexico and Peru are off-season.
This strategic advantage, combined with improvements in production, handling, and marketing, positions Kenya to potentially become one of the top five global avocado exporters within the next decade.
Conclusion: A New Chapter for Kenyan Avocados
The announcement by the Agriculture and Food Authority to resume Hass avocado exports from March 17, 2025, marks a significant milestone in the recovery and strengthening of Kenya’s horticulture sector. It is a testament to the country’s commitment to quality, sustainability, and economic empowerment.
However, the onus now lies with all stakeholders — farmers, exporters, marketing agents, and government agencies — to work together to uphold the highest standards.
By doing so, Kenya can not only meet but exceed international expectations, securing a brighter future for its farmers and consolidating its position as a world leader in avocado exports.
The future looks green — and very profitable — for Kenya’s avocado industry.
