UGANDA – Avocado oil processors in Uganda have urged the Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS) to establish industry standards for avocado oil, a move critical for gaining access to regional and international markets.
Led by Hasan Al-Kailani, Managing Partner of Avolio the processors stated how Uganda lacks specific standards for avocado oil, prompting processors to consider adopting standards from neighboring countries.
Al-Kailani highlighted the urgency, stating, “The existing standard methods are considered obsolete and involve practices that have been banned.”
Arthur Mukanga, the standards officer at UNBS, assured that the development of standards is underway, with benchmarking activities at the East African Community (EAC) level.
Additionally, avocado seedling standards have been submitted for gazettement to benefit the farming community.
The absence of quality standards poses challenges to Uganda’s avocado industry, emphasizing the need for robust regulations.
Establishing these standards is crucial to tapping into the expanding global market and securing Uganda’s position as a key player in the avocado sector.
Targets growth in export of hass avocados
Meanwhile, Uganda is setting its sights on increasing exports of Hass avocados, driven by surging demand in European and Middle Eastern markets.
The government, through the National Agricultural Advisory Services (NAADS), is actively supporting the value chain for Hass avocado production, with the goal of boosting export volumes.
While Kenya currently leads in avocado exports within the East African Community (EAC), Uganda is emerging as a significant producer.
The country initiated its commercial production of Hass avocados in 2023, with a focus on enhancing its position in the global market.
The government’s post-COVID strategy aims to stimulate economic growth and recover jobs lost during the pandemic, targeting a doubling of national exports from $6.6 billion to $12 billion by 2027.
Agricado Farms, a key player in Uganda’s avocado industry, is poised to contribute to this growth. The farm, with GlobalGAP and GRASP certification, aims to export Hass avocados to Europe and the Middle East.
Aliya Hajee, the company director, expressed optimism, stating, “We’re already starting to see inquiries from Spain and other parts of Europe.”
The government’s Presidential Advisory Committee on Exports and Industrial Development (PACEID) is actively addressing bottlenecks to unlock Uganda’s industrial and export potential.
The fruit and vegetable sector, with a target of a 60% increase in shipments, is a focal point for rapid growth.
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