NAIROBI, May 2024 — The Avocado Expo 2024 at Sarit Centre in Nairobi brought together industry leaders, exporters, and stakeholders to discuss the future of the avocado business in East Africa. Among the esteemed panelists was Dr. Sonvir Singh, Managing Director of Shri Krishana Overseas Limited (SKL Group of Companies), who shared his insights on the growing demand for avocados and the importance of customized packaging solutions.
Dr. Singh began by expressing gratitude to the organizers of the expo, acknowledging the efforts of the Avocado Society of Kenya and other key contributors for hosting such a significant event. He emphasized the business opportunities presented by avocados, commonly known as “Green Gold,” and outlined Kenya’s position as the fifth-largest exporter in the world, with aspirations to become the top exporter within the next five to seven years.
“Avocado is called GREEN GOLD for a reason,” Dr. Singh remarked. “It’s not only one of the healthiest fruits worldwide, but also one with a massive global demand. Currently, the world requires around 9 million metric tonnes of avocados, with Mexico leading the way at 2.5 million metric tonnes. However, Kenya’s position as the fifth top exporter shows that we have the potential to grow and surpass even our expectations.”
Dr. Singh highlighted several reasons for Kenya’s competitive advantage in the avocado market, pointing to the region’s fertile land, favorable weather conditions, and government incentives, such as subsidies and tax exemptions. He also noted that East Africa could achieve a production level of 12 million metric tonnes with the proper support and investment.
As the conversation shifted towards market opportunities, Dr. Singh spoke about the growth in exports to China and India, illustrating the growing demand for Kenyan avocados in new markets. “In 2022, Kenya exported 443 tonnes of avocado to China. This year, in 2023, the number soared to nearly 4,000 tonnes—a tenfold increase. Similarly, India, with its 1.4 billion people, opened up its market to Kenyan avocados this year, indicating the vast potential for further expansion,” he explained.
Given this rapid growth, Dr. Singh stressed the importance of effective packaging to ensure avocados reach their destinations in optimal condition. “Packaging plays a critical role in preserving the quality of the produce during transit,” he stated. “At SKL, we don’t just provide generic solutions. We assess your specific needs, considering factors like weather, temperature, and shipping conditions, to create cost-effective packaging that protects your product. We offer a range of packaging options, from corrugated boxes to mono boxes, and even customized labels.”
The expo also featured other notable speakers, including Bob Wayne, Managing Director of Gateway Marine Services, who shared insights on exporting avocados via sea to Europe, and Moses Gitau, Head of Business Banking at Cooperative Banking, who outlined financial incentives for avocado farmers and exporters.
David Muhumuza, MP for Mwenge County North in Uganda, added an international perspective by discussing the growth of avocado farming in Uganda, where they have planted over 3,200 acres of avocado since 2019. His remarks indicated a broader regional effort to support avocado farmers, with a focus on local consumption, processing, and export.
The event concluded with a message of optimism for the future of avocado farming in Kenya and East Africa. Dr. Singh encouraged all attendees to embrace the opportunities in this rapidly growing industry and invited stakeholders to engage with SKL for innovative packaging solutions.
“Avocado farming has the potential to transform the region’s economy,” Dr. Singh concluded. “With the right investment and commitment, we can make East Africa the global leader in avocado exports.”
