Kenyan avocado exports to China hit Sh9 billion in three months to May

Kenyan avocado exports to China hit Sh9 billion in the three months to May, defying steep competition in the market from Chile — a top producer of the fruit globally. Kenya exported seven million kilogrammes to Beijing between March and May this year as more farms and pack houses tapped into the lucrative Chinese market. Read: Avocado exports to China earn Kenya Sh7bn in three month Crops agency -- Kenya Plants Inspectorate Service (Kephis) -- says the number of exporters who have been licensed to access the Chinese market from January to date has shot to 78, comprising 58 farms and 20 pack houses. This is an increase from 25 last year. Kephis principal inspector George Momanyi said more farms and pack houses are seeking access to the lucrative Chinese market that offers a good price compared with the traditional European and Middle East markets. “We have seen a huge increase in terms of demand for exports of our avocado to China. This has boosted the earnings the country is ...