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Kakuzi Plc Hass Avocado exports to China and European markets are delayed until mid-next month due to the company’s commitment to quality assurance.
To ensure that only mature fruits are harvested and exported, Kakuzi is providing free maturity tests for smallholder farmers.
The company’s Managing Director, Chris Flowers, has emphasized that harvesting immature fruit is detrimental to the national avocado development initiatives. He stated that exporting immature fruit erodes Kenya’s brand value and positioning in the international market.
The Agriculture and Food Authority (AFA) through its Horticultural Crops Directorate (HCD) announced that the 2023 avocado harvesting season officially opened on March 24th, 2023.
However, the HCD cautioned growers against immature fruit harvesting. To maintain superior quality standards, Kakuzi has been conducting maturity tests, and the firm’s current crop, grown at its Makuyu, Murang’a County Orchards, is yet to attain the necessary maturity and related quality standards for international export.
According to HCD, avocados should be harvested when they reach maturity, which is determined by a minimum dry matter standard of 24%.
The HCD added that harvesting avocado at the recommended stage of maturity of more than 24% dry matter content reduces the fruit’s susceptibility to mesocarp bruising.
By measuring that the dry matter content, and hence oil content, is correct before export, Kakuzi can provide customers with the best eating experience of quality avocados.
The delay in exporting mature Hass Avocados to China and European markets by Kakuzi highlights the importance of harvesting only mature fruits.
Providing free maturity tests to smallholder farmers ensures that only fruits with the required maturity and quality standards are harvested.
This support to smallholder farmers promotes sustainable and responsible farming practices and helps maintain Kenya’s reputation as a producer of quality avocados in the international market.
