Kenyan fruit exports overtake coffee as top revenue earner

KENYA – Kenya’s fruit export sector has surged ahead of coffee as the country’s top revenue generator, highlighting the growing importance of avocados in international markets.

Earnings from fruit exports, primarily driven by avocados, reached USD 157 million (KES 20.41 billion) in the first half of 2024, according to data from the Kenya Revenue Authority.

The growing demand for Kenyan avocados in Europe, including the United Kingdom, has been a key factor in this shift.

The surge in avocado farming, particularly among small-scale farmers, has positioned Kenya as one of the top five global producers of the fruit.

This trend reflects a broader global appetite for avocados, with consumers increasingly favoring the fruit for its health benefits.

Anne Kavai of Keitt Exporters, a leading player in the industry, highlighted the company’s efforts to meet this rising demand.

“Among the new lines we have launched this season is the ready-to-eat avocado (RTE),” Kavai said. She also mentioned the company’s ongoing value-added avocado oil project, which aims to diversify and enhance their product offerings.

While Europe has been a strong market, Kenyan avocado exporters are also eyeing opportunities in Asia. Kavai noted that Keitt Exporters is gearing up for next month’s Asia Fruit Logistica in Hong Kong, where they hope to strengthen their presence in the region.

However, she acknowledged the challenges posed by logistics and stiff competition from other countries.

“We continue to push for growth in the Chinese market and also hope to see the South Korean market open up,” Kavai stated. Despite a tough season, including extended transit times due to the ongoing Red Sea crisis, Kavai remains optimistic.

“We had good volumes of avocados in Kenya this year, and the rains will help boost production and improve quality and sizes for the coming season.”

However, competition in the Asian market remains intense, with Australian and Peruvian avocados adding pressure. “We need more options with shorter transit times,” Kavai emphasized.

The influx of Australian fruit in Asia and the earlier arrival of Peruvian avocados have made it crucial for Kenyan exporters to stay competitive.

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