Kenya halts avocado exports to curb immature harvesting

Kenya's Horticulture Directorate has temporarily halted the export of popular avocado varieties, including Fuerte, Hass, Pinkerton, and Jumbo, to prevent the harvesting of immature fruits and protect its international market as the season comes to a close. The decision, effective from October 25, 2024, applies to sea shipments for the 2024/2025 fiscal year. The closure is an annual routine that is normally effected after consultation with stakeholders. In a directive issued by the Directorate, avocado exporters will still be allowed to continue exporting these varieties by air, but shipments will only be cleared following inspection. Traceability information will also be required for all consignments to ensure the fruits meet export standards. The Directorate's decision follows a recent survey across Kenya's major avocado production zones, which revealed insufficient volumes of mature fruits to justify sea export. The ban will remain in place until the first week of December 2024, ...