KENYA – Kenya’s avocado export industry is set to face significant changes with newly proposed compliance requirements for market access to South Korea.
The Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service (KEPHIS) communicated these upcoming requirements to key stakeholders, including the Fresh Produce Consortium of Kenya (FPC-Kenya) and the Avocado Exporters Association of Kenya.
New compliance requirements
KEPHIS has outlined several new measures to be implemented, aiming to meet the specific market access criteria set by South Korea’s Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency (APQA).
These measures are crucial for Kenyan avocado growers and exporters as they seek to expand their market reach.
One of the most notable requirements is the installation of three sets of Lynfield traps in avocado orchards to monitor specific species of fruit flies, including Bactrocera dorsalis and Ceratitis capitata.
These traps, which use attractants like Methyl Eugenol and enriched ginger root oil, must be serviced and replaced every 6-8 weeks. This effort is part of a broader strategy to ensure that the exported avocados remain free from pests, a non-negotiable condition for access to the Korean market.
Another critical requirement is the annual audit of registered avocado orchards by APQA experts for the first three years. The costs associated with these audits will be borne by the Kenyan growers, adding a financial burden to an industry already facing competitive pressures.
Packaging and shipping standards
The packaging of avocados destined for South Korea must also adhere to stringent standards. All packaging materials are required to be insect-proof, with nets having a mesh diameter of 1.6 mm or less.
Additionally, all pallets must be wrapped with polyvinyl or similar materials to prevent any potential pest infiltration during shipping. These measures are designed to maintain the high quality of Kenyan avocados throughout the supply chain, from orchard to market.
KEPHIS has also emphasized the need for destructive sampling during the exit point verification process to ensure that the avocados meet the required standards.
This sampling process is a final step before the consignment is sealed with a KEPHIS mark, signaling that it is ready for export.
Expanding market access
These new regulations come as Kenya continues to make strides in expanding its avocado export markets. Recently, Kenya successfully entered the Indian market, with the first shipment of avocados arriving in Mumbai in September 2023.
“We assure that many more metric tonnes of avocados will land,” said Kenya’s Deputy High Commissioner to India, Irene Oloo, highlighting the significance of this achievement after eight years of negotiations.
Kenya’s entry into the Chinese market in November 2022 marked another milestone. Kenyan avocados gained popularity at the China International Import Expo (CIIE), underscoring the growing demand for the fruit in Asia.
As Kenyan avocado growers and exporters adapt to these new compliance requirements, the industry’s ability to meet these standards will determine the success of its expansion into lucrative markets like South Korea.
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