-
-
-
Loading
Loading
About a decade ago, the Avocado didn’t have much value
as it has today. Last year, a ban was placed on Hass and Fuerte, the two export
varieties of Avocadoes, by the horticulture regulator. The ban was effected due
to the emergence of cases where exportation of immature crops overseas’ markets
had gone rampant.
According to Earnest Muthomi, executive officer of
Avocado Society of Kenya, the rise in prices of avocado is due to the increase
demand and knowledge of the fruit, “People are aware of the nutritional benefit
of avocado. Also, we have local investors who have invested in processing
avocado. Locally, we use the Jumbo variety for consumption, but it can also be
used to make avocado oil,” said Mr Muthomi.
He also added that Kenya is ranked the seventh biggest
exporter of avocado in the world, and number one in Africa after overtaking
South Africa in 2017.
The Hass and Fuerte varieties of avocado are exported
to Europe, the Middle East and Eastern Europe. Muthomi said the current high
demand had led to the export of premature fruits, leading to the ban.
"People are asking for anything that looks like an avocado. The ban is
meant to protect Kenya's reputation in the export market,” he said.
"Exports carry the Kenyan identity, and a good
reputation is key in getting a better price for our produce."
He urged farmers to sell their produce through the lobby to avoid being exploited by brokers.