Avocado exporters warn Kenya risks losing global market over immature harvesting, demand stricter regulation and oversight

Kenya’s avocado exporters have urged the government to tighten regulation and oversight in the fast-growing sector, warning that immature harvesting and uncoordinated processing are threatening the country’s reputation and profits in the global market.

The Avocado Exporters Association of Kenya (AEAK) said the industry, which earned over Ksh25 billion last year, risks losing its competitive edge if the current practices continue unchecked.

Speaking during the association’s Annual General Meeting held in Kabati, Murang’a County, AEAK members highlighted growing concerns over poor harvesting practices, farm-gate theft, and the uncontrolled influx of new oil processors.

Mitul Shah, co-founder of Crofts Company, which manufactures avocado oil for export, said premature harvesting remains the industry’s biggest challenge.

“Some of our buyers have raised complaints that Kenyan avocados no longer meet international standards. Immature fruits lack the right flavour and oil content, hurting our export reputation,” he said.

Shah noted that while farmers previously harvested twice a year, rising demand for avocado oil has led to year-round picking including unripe fruits. He warned that the growing number of processors could worsen the problem, with 54 oil plants already competing for limited supply.

He estimated that the sector has already lost about Ksh20 billion this year due to immature harvesting, producing only 30,000 tonnes of oil out of a possible 54,000 tonnes.

AEAK Chairperson Anthony Nderitu welcomed the government’s move to temporarily suspend sea shipments of avocados from October 20 to allow fruits to mature, saying exports by air will continue under strict inspection until a review in January.

Nderitu urged both national and county governments to coordinate efforts to support farmers, expand production, and enforce compliance with quality standards.

“We must protect the industry’s reputation. Every immature harvest is a direct loss to farmers and to the country,” he said, adding that AEAK’s 65 members are committed to full self-regulation to ensure sustainability.

Kenya faces stiff competition from Mexico, Peru, and South Africa, which dominate the global market between May and July. Exporters say Kenya can stay competitive by ensuring quality and consistency during its peak seasons between February–April and August–October.