Hass and Fuerte Avocados

The goal of the company is to become the top exporters of Avocados in Tanzania and serve as a helping hand for farmers around Kilimanjaro. It is a family managed business. The company has been working in organic produce for many years. It started off as a passion for organic farming with milk and went into Mushroom farming. Now they are coordinating several Avocado farmers to provide them with a reliable market for their produce. The most notable clients are international buyers and the company is constantly working with retailers and end consumers in Tanzania. The company wishes to expand its exports to the Middle East for the Avocados.

The company has a packhouse in Moshi Kilimanjaro with a cold room where the products are stored. Avocados are packed in boxes of 4 kg or 10 kg. After the order, it takes two days maximum to get the product ready for shipment. The two main modes of transportation for export of goods are air freight and sea freight. Kilimanjaro Airport is preferred for small shipments and Sea Freight through the Port of Dar es Salaam for large quantities.

In order to ensure premium quality, the cold storage is maintained from the process of harvesting to packaging. The harvesting of immature fruits is strictly discouraged by the state. Attention is paid to shelf life, skin texture and the diseases (if any) in the produce. The company is a member of Joined Tanzania Organic Agriculture Movement (TOAM) and is in the process to obtain the Global G.A.P Certification.

The average yield per year of the avocado is 60 metric tons. The main harvesting season starts from June and goes until December. The highest yield is observed between the months of June to August. From June onwards, a total of 50 metric tons can be provided for the purpose of export. The cultivated area is spread across 16 acres in Kilimanjaro region of Moshi Kilimanjaro Tanzania. The trees are grafted together as a part of cropping and harvesting. The soils of the region vary but are dominated by alluvial soils in the lowland areas which through irrigation have high agricultural potential. The cultivation process uses sustainable farming sourcing from small scale farmers around Moshi. Both conventional and organic processes are used. Trees are planted in straight lines spaced at 9 x 9m (100 plants/ha). Mulching is done to conserve moisture and to add organic matter to the soil. On average, 5-year-old trees yield 300-400 kg of fruits per hectare. The avocados are sourced from over 40 Avocado farmers in Kilimanjaro.

The company sells two varieties of Avocado, Hass and Fuerte. They have rough green skin and range from a size 14 to size 26. The product is best suitable for consumption. Avocados have long durability and can be consumed two weeks after the harvest. The cultivation of the product is done organically. Sample of the product is available upon request.