Kenya closes avocado sea export season to protect crop quality

KENYA – The Agriculture and Food Authority (AFA) has announced the closure of the 2025/2026 avocado export season for sea shipments, a move meant to protect the quality of Kenyan avocados and ensure sustainable production for upcoming harvests.

AFA Director General Bruno Linyiru said the decision follows a detailed assessment of avocado-producing regions, which found that current crop volumes are too low to support continued sea exports.

“This, therefore, is to notify you that the closing of the harvesting season for sea shipment for the 2025/2026 fiscal year will come into force from Monday, October 20, 2025,” he said in a statement.

While sea exports will stop, the authority confirmed that air shipments of popular varieties such as Hass, Fuerte, Pinkerton, and Jumbo will continue under strict inspection and traceability rules.

“Export clearance will be granted subject to inspection by the Directorate. Traceability information will be required for all consignments,” Linyiru added.

The AFA also reminded exporters that only mature fruits should be harvested. This ensures Kenya maintains its reputation for quality in global markets, especially in Europe and the Middle East, where demand remains strong.

Processors of avocado oil have also reached the end of their harvesting window. The authority said that inspections will verify existing stocks and that export permits will only be issued for oil processed before the closure date.

Those with leftover oil must contact AFA’s compliance office for inspection and clearance. No permits will be granted for avocado oil produced after October 20.

AFA warned exporters against mixing mango and avocado shipments, a practice that violates Section 20(5) of the Crops (Horticultural Crops) Regulations, 2020. The authority stated that past cases of such mixing were attempts to evade restrictions and confirmed that any repeat offenses will attract regulatory action.

The authority plans to continue monitoring maturity patterns in key producing regions and will release another advisory in January 2026 to update exporters and growers on the next steps.

Kenya remains one of Africa’s top avocado exporters, earning billions of dollars each year from the fruit. The country’s produce is mainly shipped to Europe, the Middle East, and parts of Asia. Industry observers, however, warn that harvesting immature fruits could damage Kenya’s market position.

“Premature harvesting not only reduces fruit quality but also risks long-term access to high-value markets,” an agribusiness expert said. “Enforcing seasonal controls like this helps protect the future of the entire sector.”

With export volumes growing steadily over the past decade, the government’s focus is now shifting to balancing quantity with consistent quality.

The AFA’s latest measures show a continued effort to safeguard Kenya’s standing as a trusted supplier in the global avocado trade.

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