This archive report was first published on 15 July 2020.
Kenya's avocado industry has seen a significant boost in exports due to the COVID-19 pandemic, with the country selling over 58,400 tonnes of avocados to 42 countries in the first half of 2020.
According to data from the Directorate of Horticulture and the Avocado Society of Kenya, sales almost topped the total quantity sold last year, with the country earning over Sh8 billion from the exports.
The Netherlands remained the lead importer of Kenyan avocados, buying 16.3 million kilogrammes by June, followed by Spain, UAE, Russia, France, and Belgium.
Avocado Society of Kenya Chief Executive Ernest Muthomi attributed the high export numbers to an increase in avocado acreage and quality of the fruit being produced by Kenyan farmers.
"The high export numbers can also be attributed to an increase in avocado acreage and quality of the fruit being produced by our farmers. We are excited by the prospects of rising demand for the fruit," Mr Muthomi said.
He also noted that the average price of a four-kilogramme pack of hass avocados is Sh350 and is expected to hit Sh450 as supply in other parts of the world declines.
