The Agriculture and Food Authority (AFA) has issued a stern warning to mango exporters who have been attempting to mix mangoes with avocados to bypass a recent export ban imposed to allow avocados to reach optimal maturity for harvest.
AFA has acted swiftly in response to reports of avocado exporters collaborating with mango exporters to facilitate the mixed export of the fruits.
“It has come to our attention that following the closure of the Avocado harvesting season and export by sea, some exporters are mixing consignments of Mango with Avocado for sea shipment. This is against the provisions of the Crops (Horticultural Crops) Regulations, 2020 Section 20(5),” read part of the notice.
Kenya has a significant export market for mangoes, with a focus on the Middle East, while smaller quantities of processed and dried mango products are sent to destinations such as the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, and Italy.
Also Read: Kenya Bans Sea Export Of Avocados To Allow For Maturation
To address the issue and uphold industry standards, the AFA has introduced a stringent requirement for mango exporters.
They must now submit an online application for the physical inspection of mango consignments before they receive approval for shipment. The application should include the location of the packing house, which will facilitate the inspection process.
This meticulous inspection process aims to ensure that the exported consignments solely consist of mango fruits, aligning with the regulations outlined by the AFA.
Compliance with this directive is mandatory for mango exporters, and those who fail to adhere to these guidelines risk having their licenses revoked.
The AFA recently implemented a ban on avocado exports to allow the fruits to mature before being exported. The ban affects Hass, Pinkerton, Fuerte, and Jumbo avocados and is expected to remain in effect until the start of the 2023/2024 fiscal year, beginning on November 3, 2023.
Kenya exports approximately 20,000 metric tons of avocados each year, with China serving as its primary export market. The ban aims to ensure the quality and readiness of avocados in the global market.