Tanzania to host new horticulture trade show in Arusha

TANZANIA – Tanzania has unveiled plans for a new annual horticulture trade show that will take place in Arusha starting June 2026.

The event, named Horti Logistica Africa, comes from a partnership between the Tanzania Horticultural Association and the government. Officials believe the show will strengthen regional trade links and widen market access for growers and exporters who face travel and visa limits when trying to attend global fairs.

A new platform for growers and buyers

Horti Logistica Africa aims to bring together fresh fruit, vegetable, and flower producers from across the continent. Organisers plan to host the fair every November after the first edition. They shaped the concept around established exhibitions such as Fruit Logistica in Berlin, Macfrut in Rimini, and Fruit Attraction in Spain.

They expect strong interest from growers, exporters, buyers, breeders, technology firms, financiers, and service providers who want closer contact with African supply chains.

During the launch event in Dar es Salaam, which took place at the Hyatt Regency Hotel during the Horticulture Business and Investment Summit 2025, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture Gerald Mweli said, “Tanzania would be the first country in Africa to host this kind of event. And the government is fully committed to supporting TAHA to realize this great idea.”

TAHA CEO Dr Jacqueline Mkindi stressed the show’s international value. She said, “We are going to bring the World to Arusha, Tanzania through the Horti Logistica Africa.” She noted that many producers cannot travel to Europe or Asia for major exhibitions due to logistics and visa limits.

Mkindi added that hosting such a fair in Africa will create a reliable meeting point for growers and buyers. She said, “Horti Logistica Africa will serve as the platform for bringing international buyers and retail chains to the source of the supply chain and foster mutual collaboration for a streamlined market access.”

Organisers plan to include business meetings, technology showcases, and discussions on production and supply chain systems. They also expect speakers to address post-harvest loss reduction and investment opportunities within the sector.

Mkindi said the event will bring producers, researchers, policymakers, and service providers into one setting to encourage open exchanges and practical solutions.

Avocado supply pressures shape regional market

The launch comes as East Africa faces tight avocado supply. Jai Kabra, co-founder of Kenyan firm Truport Transcontinental Limited, said most seasons in the region have ended.

He said, “Only limited quantities continue to reach markets. Kenyan Hass avocado season has ended, with government restrictions limiting sea consignments to protect upcoming crops and local farmers.”

Kabra said Tanzania still sends moderate volumes, mainly by air. He said prices have climbed by USD 0.6 to 0.9 per kilogram, though the main focus remains on keeping supply steady. He said, “Air shipments to India are expected to continue until January 2026, when container-load volumes will return with the new harvest season.” He added that buyers in India still adjust slowly to supply differences across origins.

Kabra said Latin American suppliers will receive more orders in the coming weeks. He said Chile and Peru will focus on stable supply at higher costs due to their strong branding. He said, “The coming weeks will test supply chains, buyer relationships, and market resilience.”

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