The European Union (EU) is the second largest market of avocados after the United States (US). Figures of avocado consumption in the EU or Europe don’t include those in the United Kingdom (UK). The sheer size of Europe’s population makes it attractive to avocado exporters.
Avocado intake in Europe is at record levels. The average per capita consumption is about 1.3kg in a year. It looks like the rate at which Europeans are eating avocados is just picking up steam. The fruit is now a regular part of the European diet because its seen as a sustainable food choice.
Avocado Market in Europe
In 2023, Europe shipped in nearly 760,000 tonnes of avocado. It is an increase of 12% from the previous year. Although the avocado market in Europe is dominated by Peru, Kenya is the sixth largest supplier.
Here is the import volume of avocados from Kenya in Europe between 2012 and 2023.
Avocado in Europe
Kenya is turning out to be a major presence among the countries that export avocado to Europe. Coincidentally, avocado season in Kenya is in full swing during peak summer in Europe. This means that fresh, creamy Kenyan avocados are accessible to the European market. They are now used as the perfect ingredient for summer cuisine.
Kenyan avocados have benefitted from loosening of trade restrictions between Kenya and Europe. This is the major reason why they have taken the European market by storm. In February 2022, the EU and Kenya agreed to advance negotiations on an interim Economic Partnership Agreement (iEPA). Such a trade agreement will give Kenyan avocados duty-free and quota-free access to the EU market.
Avocados from Kenya are scoring well in Europe. Over the last decade, their import value has risen sharply. Kenyan avocado exports to the EU were worth 33 million US Dollars in 2012 and reached about 160 million US Dollars in 2023.
Avocado Europe
Europe is a vital market for Kenyan avocados. They have a smoother entry into the continent for their excellent quality. European wholesalers and retailers are keen on food safety. Therefore, more of them are looking to Kenya for avocados.
Avocado from Kenya is proving popular in the EU. This is owing to the fact that they are available even when supply from other countries runs out or is insufficient. Avocado importers in Europe favor Kenya because they are assured of steady supply for a better part of the year.
Since Kenya produces both green and dark skin varieties, its seen as the preferred source of avocados for the European market. Not only do Hass, Fuerte and other minor commercial varieties grow in Kenya but they are also found in plenty. Eastern Europe chooses more green skins while Western Europe likes Hass avocado better.
Kenyan avocados are selling fast as they are competitively priced. Transit time from Kenya to EU nations is shorter than from South American countries. Wholesale markets and supermarkets around Europe are stocking more avocado from Kenya so as to expand their profit margin.
Here is top avocado exporter in Kenya
Freshela Exporters
Freshela is a Kenyan based company that engages in the sourcing, processing and exporting of avocados and other fresh produce.
Freshela is a proud exporter of Kenyan avocados. We source avocados from our company farm and partner farms.
We give competitive pricing to our customers and guarantee reliable delivery time.
We use a modern grading machine to achieve desired avocado weight. The fruit is also graded to eliminate any with physical quality defects.
We pack avocado fruit for both air and sea freights. All of our avocado packing is approved by FDA and is certified by HACCP Quality Assurance.