Have you seen how much cheaper your local produce is than what it costs in foreign grocery stores? Exporters often buy products at lower prices and resell them at much higher rates, reaping substantial profits. So, how can you enter into the export market? If you have the financial resources, you can go solo, but joining cooperatives with like-minded farmers would be a more successful and useful way. By joining forces, you may pool resources, reduce expenses, and obtain better access to the export market, maximizing your earnings jointly.
Farmers in Kenya have excellent opportunities to increase their earnings and expand their businesses by exporting fruits and vegetables from Kenya to global markets. However, in order for Kenyan farmers to be successful in exporting horticulture produce, they must adhere to severe laws governing quality, certification, packing, logistics, and documentation.
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1. Learning about the international market standards that apply to the export of fruits and vegetables.
To successfully export fruits and vegetables from Kenya, it is critical to realize that each overseas market has its own set of production needs. In most situations, regulatory authorities such as the European Union (EU), the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), and the World Trade Organization (WTO) are in charge of developing these standards. Kenyan farmers must meet the following prerequisites:Fruits and vegetables sold in international markets must meet stringent quality criteria, which include specific specifications for size, shape, color, and flavor. When exporting avocados, mangoes, or citrus fruits, for example, the produce must be free of blemishes and physical defects.
Pesticide residue regulation is a critical component of international export regulations. Pesticide residue restrictions are one of the most important features. The majority of countries that import pesticides have Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs). Farmers are responsible for ensuring that their produce meets these MRLs. To comply with these recommendations, farmers should employ Integrated Pest Management (IPM) practices and use fewer pesticides.
Minimum Maturity Requirements: In order for fruits like mangoes and avocados to be exported successfully, they must meet the minimum maturity index. Produce that is not fully ripe may be unable to withstand long-distance travel, while produce that is overripe will not survive storage and shipping.
Kakuzi
PLC has announced a free Hass avocado maturity testing service for smallholder
farmers at its Murang’a Packhouse near Makuyu town, along the Nairobi-Nyeri
highway. This initiative began on Monday March 17, 2025, aligning
with Kenya’s national quality assurance strategy.
2. To export fruits and vegetables, certification standards must be completed.
Kenyan farmers must obtain particular certificates ensuring the safety of their produce and compliance with international standards before exporting their fruits and vegetables. These credentials are critical for getting access to global markets while also ensuring the legitimacy of Kenyan produce. The most noteworthy certifications include the following:- Certification for GlobalGAP. The Global Good Agricultural Practices (GlobalG.A.P.) certification is among the most widely recognized certificates in worldwide markets. Farmers who have received this accreditation have proved their commitment to sound agricultural practices in terms of environmental preservation, employee health and safety, and food safety standards. Kenyan farmers can successfully complete the certification process with the support of the Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service (KEPHIS).
- Certification in Phytosanitary Practices: A phytosanitary certificate is essential to ensure that produce is free of illnesses and pests. KEPHIS will provide the certificate following an inspection of the farm and its produce to confirm that they meet plant health regulations. In the vast majority of nations that import goods, this certification is required.
- Organic Certification: Obtaining organic certification is a necessary step for farmers interested in entering the organic market. The certification confirms that the fruit was grown without the use of artificial pesticides, herbicides, or fertilizers. Organic certification can help farmers gain access to premium markets in Europe and the United States.
- Fair Trade Certification: Farmers who follow ethical methods might profit from Fair Trade certification. This certification assures consumers that the fruit they purchase was cultivated and harvested in an environmentally friendly manner and under fair labor circumstances. With this certificate, Kenyan farmers can attract consumers who value social responsibility and sustainability.
3. Requirements for Packaging and Labeling of Fruits and Vegetables for Export
Following certification, producers must evaluate their produce's packaging and labeling to ensure compliance with international standards. If the fruit is properly packaged, it will reach at its destination in perfect condition, and if the commodities are accurately labeled, the buyer will have an easier time recognizing them.- Packaging: Fruits and vegetables that will be exported should be packaged using food-safe materials to avoid contamination and damage while in transit. Cartons should be designed to allow airflow while also preventing the fruits from being crushed or bruised. In addition, clamshell packaging is commonly used in foreign markets for fruits like strawberries, whereas plastic crates are used for larger products like mangoes.
- Labeling: It is critical to have clear and informative labeling in order to identify the product and establish compliance with regulations. The following information should be included on labels. - Name and address of the exporter. - The nation of origin should be Kenya.
b) A description of the product's certification, such as GlobalGAP or organic certification
c) Information
on the expiration dates or shelf life, if appropriate
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4. Logistics for the cold chain and transportation of fruits and vegetables to the international market
The management of the cold chain is critical to the export of fruits and vegetables, especially for products containing perishable components. To maintain the quality and freshness of the food, the temperature must be kept at an adequate level from harvest until delivery.
Once the harvest is complete, fruits and vegetables must be cooled as rapidly as possible to limit the rate of respiration and prevent spoilage. Pre-cooling can be achieved by using hydrocooling techniques or placing the produce in cooling chambers. This will lower the temperature before the packing process begins.
- Refrigerated transport: After the produce has been pre-cooled, it should be transported using refrigerated containers, often known as refers. Air freight is generally used to deliver high-value commodities such as mangoes and avocados, although sea freight with refrigerated containers is frequently preferred for larger shipments.
- Duration of Transportation: The time it takes to travel varies depending on where you are heading. Air freight costs more, despite the fact that it takes less time. Shipping products by sea, while more cost-effective, requires longer trip times. Proper cold chain management is necessary to keep food fresh during transportation.
When it comes to customs and clearance, exporters must meet the criteria of both Kenya and the importing country. To accomplish this, the appropriate documentation must be submitted. This documentation comprises export licenses, phytosanitary certifications, and health certificates. Farmers are responsible for ensuring that their food meets the import requirements of the country to which it is being sent, which may include health and safety norms.
5. Compliance with government regulations and documentation for export.
Fruit and vegetable exports from Kenya must comply with both Kenyan and international standards, which needs substantial documentation. Here are some of the most crucial papers for export:§ The
Export Promotion Council (EPC) in Kenya is responsible for issuing export
permits to exporters who have registered their enterprises. Anyone who desires
to export agricultural products must obtain this license.
§ Customs
Declaration: In order for their produce to be exported from Kenya, farmers must
submit a customs declaration form to the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA).
§ The
Bill of Lading is a document that serves as proof of shipment and describes the
terms of the agreement reached between the exporter and the shipping company.
It contains information about the item being transported, such as the quantity
and type of fruit or vegetable.
§ Health
and Safety Certifications: In addition to phytosanitary certificates, some
importing countries may also demand health and safety certifications. This is
especially true for countries with strong food safety regulations, such as the
United States of America and the EU.
Kenya may export its goods to a wide range of destinations, particularly in Europe, the Middle East, and Asia, where there is a growing need for fresh produce. Here are some of the most popular fruits and vegetables in Kenya:
- Mangoes
are in highly high demand, especially in the Middle East and Europe. Mangoes
are a readily available fruit.
- Avocados:
Kenya is a major exporter of avocados to the European Union and the United
States, particularly Hass avocados. Kenya is also a major exporter of avocado.
- Citrus
fruits grown in Kenya, such as oranges, lemons, and limes, are in high demand
in the Middle East region.
- The
passion fruit, considered an exotic fruit, is gaining popularity in both Europe
and the United States.
If you're interested
in learning more or starting your journey into the export market, feel free to
reach out to us or contact Susan Mwangi, a Standards and Compliance Expert,
at 0712-608-125.
Additionally, you can
explore various profitable fruit and vegetable farming opportunities that can
help you take the first step toward success in this field.
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