KENYA – The Kenyan government has announced plans to leverage the local co-operatives network to position the country as a leading superfood producer and exporter.
Co-operatives and Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Cabinet Secretary Simon Chelugui confirmed the government’s strategy to tap into the USD 171.8 billion global superfoods market.
This initiative is part of the broader Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA), focusing on agricultural transformation.
During a visit to Kakuzi Plc’s orchards and packhouse in Murang’a County, Chelugui emphasized the importance of sustainable agricultural value chain reforms.
The government aims to enhance global market access for Kenyan farmers producing avocados, macadamia nuts, and blueberries by utilizing the co-op societies and MSMEs network.
Globally, consumers are increasingly turning to superfoods due to their high dietary fiber, vitamins, minerals, and other health benefits. Superfoods can improve digestion, reduce blood glucose, lower cholesterol, and prevent chronic health issues like diabetes and heart disease.
The IMARC Group’s research highlights the growing superfoods market, which reached US$ 171.8 billion in 2023 and is expected to hit USD 262.3 billion by 2032, with a 4.6% annual growth rate.
Factors such as the rising adoption of veganism and the emphasis on preventive healthcare are driving this market expansion.
Public-private partnerships
To capitalize on this opportunity, Chelugui mentioned that the government would pursue public-private partnerships with key growers like Kakuzi.
This approach will provide local farmers with technical capacity building through the Co-operatives movement.
“Kenya is already doing well in producing superfoods such as avocado, macadamia, and blueberries. We are number five in avocado exports and can reach number one by maintaining global standards in crop husbandry, traceability, and sustainability,” said Chelugui.
He added that co-operative societies and MSME agri-business players could learn and partner with larger players like Kakuzi, which offer capacity building in farmer training, marketing, and extension services.
Kakuzi’s role in superfoods production
Kakuzi PLC Managing Director Chris Flowers highlighted the company’s role as Kenya’s largest producer of avocados and macadamia nuts, accounting for 12% of all avocados exported from Kenya.
Flowers noted that Kakuzi was also the first Kenyan company to start commercial blueberry production.
“We believe blueberries will further boost Kenya’s export earnings and solidify our reputation as a leading agricultural producer of superfoods,” Flowers said.
He stressed that Kakuzi’s success is based on exporting quality products, maintaining traceability, responsible and sustainable growing practices, and supporting other farmers.
Kakuzi has been active in developing smallholder farmers through its Kakuzi Academy platform, providing extension services to over 3,000 farmers nationwide.
Agricultural sector performance
The Kenya National Bureau of Statistics reported strong growth in the agriculture sector in the first three quarters of 2023, following improved weather conditions and government subsidies for fertilizer and seeds.
The sector grew by 6.1% in the first quarter, 8.2% in the second quarter, and 6.7% in the third quarter. This growth led to increased exports of tea, coffee, vegetables, and fruits, although the production of cut flowers and sugarcane declined.
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