Kakuzi PLC, a leading agribusiness and superfoods producer, has embraced the opening of the avocado export season with an offer to provide complimentary maturity testing services to smallholder farmers.

The announcement follows the notification issued by the Agriculture and Food Authority (AFA) through its Horticultural Crops Directorate (HCD), setting March 1, 2024, as the commencement date for avocado harvesting for export, subject to strict adherence to maturity and market access standards.

“Kakuzi welcomes the directive provided by AFA-HCD and confirms that for shared prosperity, we shall be providing free Avocado maturity testing services for all smallholder farmers to ensure compliance with the regulatory, national and international market requirements,” said Chris Flowers, the Managing Director of Kakuzi PLC.

Flowers emphasized the importance of upholding regulatory and market requirements to safeguard Kenya’s favorable international position in avocado production.

He stressed the need for maintaining high standards in phytosanitary measures, environmental practices, and governance across the industry.

“Kenya currently enjoys a favorable international market position for quality avocado production, and this status needs to be jealously guarded by ensuring phytosanitary, environmental, social, and governance standards are strictly maintained across the board,” Flowers added.

Kakuzi has already conducted internal maturity testing at its Quality Control Room within its Makuyu Packhouse, which is GlobalGAP-certified. The company anticipates commencing its HASS avocado harvests in compliance with the regulations.

In line with AFA-HCD directives, all avocado exports will undergo inspection by AFA-HCD inspectors, with exporters required to apply for inspection at least three days before shipment. Additionally, exporters must submit a list of their Horticultural Produce Marketing Agents (HPMA) or suppliers by February 26, 2024, to ensure product traceability.

“To ensure shared prosperity, we shall be providing free avocado maturity testing services for all smallholder farmers,” reiterated Flowers. “It is essential to adhere to the prescribed standards to maintain the high quality of Kenyan avocados in the international market.”