Kenya targets UK market as mango exports expand

KENYA – Kenya has taken a new step in its horticulture trade after exporters sent the country’s first official mango shipment to the United Kingdom on December 20, according to the Ministry of Trade, Investment and Industry.

The shipment forms part of a pilot effort to open the UK market to Kenyan mangoes. Authorities did not disclose the shipment volume, but they said the move supports job creation and higher incomes across the mango value chain.

“This launch illustrates Kenya’s growing footprint in high value added export markets and reflects strong collaboration between government agencies, development partners and the private sector to boost agricultural exports,” the ministry said.

UK market presents strong demand

The United Kingdom ranks as Europe’s third largest mango importer after the Netherlands and Germany. Trade Map data shows that the UK imported an average of nearly 81,000 tonnes of mangoes each year between 2020 and 2024, with annual purchases valued at about US$220 million.

Kenya now seeks a share of this market, which already draws supplies from major exporters. In 2024, Brazil accounted for 31 percent of UK mango imports. Pakistan, India, and Côte d’Ivoire each supplied about 8 percent of total shipments.

Kenya produces large volumes but ships only a small share abroad. National mango output averaged 782,890 tonnes between 2019 and 2023, yet exporters send less than 5 percent of that volume to foreign markets. Officials see the UK opening as a chance to lift export volumes while improving returns for farmers.

Makueni builds stronger market links

The export push comes as key producing regions strengthen local market systems. In eastern Kenya, Makueni County recorded 183,891 metric tons of mangoes during the 2024 season, placing it among the country’s top producers. Kenya’s total annual mango output stands at about 650,000 metric tons.

The county’s Department of Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries, and Cooperative Development recently met with Trademark Africa during a two day forum funded by the EU. Farmers, traders, and exporters joined the talks to review supply chain gaps, pricing, and buyer access.

County officials said the meeting aimed to link growers with steady markets and improve coordination through grower groups. Agriculture CECM Liz Muli urged farmers to improve handling practices to cut losses and meet export needs. “Good post harvest care is essential for meeting export standards,” she said.

Makueni’s 2024 output included about 30,900 tons consumed at farm level, 76,400 metric tons supplied to urban markets, and 5,500 tons exported. County leaders said stronger farmer groups and clearer pricing can help raise incomes and support Kenya’s wider mango export goals.

Chief Officers Japheth Kiminza and Dr. Victoria Kyallo said the county will continue to support growers in line with Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr.’s development agenda, with a focus on stable markets and better earnings for mango farming households.

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