Listed agribusiness and superfoods producer Kakuzi PLC has announced free Hass avocado maturity testing services for smallholder farmers, reinforcing Kenya’s position as a top-quality avocado exporter. The initiative, now in its fourth year, will commence on Monday, March 17, 2025, at the company’s FSSC 22000-certified Avocado Processing and Packhouse near Makuyu town, Murang’a County.
The move follows a directive from the Agriculture and Food Authority – Horticultural Crops Directorate (AFA-HCD), which confirmed that the 2024/2025 Hass avocado export season for sea shipments will officially begin on March 17, 2025.
Speaking on the initiative, Kakuzi PLC Managing Director Chris Flowers emphasized the critical role of quality assurance in safeguarding Kenya’s global avocado market reputation.
“Exporting immature fruit can severely damage Kenya’s standing in international markets. To prevent this, Kakuzi continues to invest in supporting smallholder farmers through free fruit maturity testing to ensure compliance with global quality standards,” Flowers said.
He also noted that the avocado export market is currently facing logistical disruptions due to geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. As a result, he urged farmers to leverage Kakuzi’s free testing services to mitigate risks within their control.
In its recent directive, AFA-HCD reiterated strict regulations for avocado exports, including mandatory inspections before shipment. Exporters must apply for inspection at least three days in advance to ensure compliance.
The regulator also issued a stern warning against improper handling and transportation of avocados.
“Exporters or their agents found transporting avocado without crates or using open pick-up trucks or Probox vehicles will be penalized,” stated the AFA-HCD Director General.
The directive stresses that all avocado dealers must take full responsibility for production and post-harvest handling to meet local and international market requirements.
The free maturity testing service aims to empower smallholder farmers around Mt. Kenya and beyond, enabling them to produce export-grade avocados. By ensuring only mature avocados reach international markets, Kakuzi is actively contributing to Kenya’s efforts to maintain its status as a leading global avocado supplier.
Farmers and exporters keen on taking advantage of the free testing services can visit Kakuzi’s Murang’a packhouse along the Nairobi-Nyeri highway.