KENYA –Kenya has finally sent its inaugural shipment of avocados to India almost a year after exporting its initial shipment of Hass variety avocados to Shanghai, China. The shipment was facilitated by KQ from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) in Nairobi. This expansion would present a promising growth opportunity for local farmers, considering the subsequent increase in the export market. “Kenya exports the first consignment of avocados to India, opening up new markets for avocado farmers,” KQ announced on its LinkedIn page. “We are glad that Kenya Airways Cargo is providing the necessary logistics support to ensure that Kenya can take advantage of this new and exciting opportunity for farmers, exporters, and fresh produce associations.” Globally, ocean shipping is the primary mode of transport for trade, but this is not the case for Kenya. In a study on sea freight opportunities to boost Kenya’s agricultural exports, it was found that although the Kenyan airfreight industry is well-established and adaptable, there are no immediate plans to increase airfreight capacity, which may result in future price hikes. The report recommends that Kenya should provide an alternative way of transporting goods, decrease costs, and reduce its environmental footprint by increasing maritime shipping. Kenya’s first avocado shipment to India is a positive development, following the successful export of Hass variety avocados by Agrofood processor Kakuzi to Shanghai, China last year. This consignment to China follows the signing of two protocols in early January by Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Peter Munya and Chinese Ambassador Zhou Pingjian. The protocol sought to facilitate bilateral trade, primarily focusing on the export of avocados and aquatic products from Kenya to China. During the signing process, it was highlighted that since the Chinese market is highly discerning and quality-conscious, it is crucial to audit avocado growers to ensure exporters comply with Chinese plant health standards. Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service (KEPHIS) is a government parastatal responsible for ensuring the quality of agricultural inputs and produce to prevent negative effects on the economy, the environment, and human health.  For all the latest fresh produce industry news updates from Africa, Middle East and the World, subscribe to our NEWSLETTER, follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn, like us on Facebook and subscribe to our YouTube channel.