By Mandere Onyinkwa
Kenya has announced the closure of the 2026/2027 avocado harvesting season for sea exports, citing low production volumes that are insufficient to sustain shipments.
The Agriculture and Food Authority (AFA), through its Horticultural Crops Directorate (HCD), said the decision followed a countrywide survey conducted in major avocado-producing areas to assess current production patterns and forecast output for the next main season.
Also Read
In a notice to exporters, importers and processors dated October 28, the authority said the closure of the harvesting season for Hass, Fuerte, Pinkerton and Jumbo varieties would take effect on Friday, October 30, 2026.
“The survey findings are that current production volumes are low and insufficient for sea shipment,” said the authority.
However, exporters will still be allowed to ship the four varieties by air, subject to inspection and the provision of traceability details for every consignment.
The closure also affects avocado oil processors, who will not be allowed to continue harvesting for processing during the restricted period.
Processors holding existing oil stocks and intending to export them during the closure have until Monday, November 2, to request verification by emailing the directorate.
The authority said only stocks verified in advance would be cleared for export.
It also suspended the importation of avocado fruits for oil processing, warning that the practice could be used to harvest immature local avocados under the guise of importing produce.
Mango exporters warned
Separately, AFA has warned mango exporters against mixing mango consignments with avocados for sea shipment following the closure of the avocado export season.
The authority said some exporters had been mixing the two fruits to circumvent the restrictions, contrary to Section 20 (5) of the Crops (Horticultural Crops) Regulations, 2020.
It reminded exporters that all produce must undergo inspection before an export certificate is issued.
Mango exporters have been directed to ensure consignments covered by export permit applications contain only mango fruits.
They must also apply for physical inspection through the Horticultural Crops Directorate, clearly indicating the location of their pack houses to facilitate the exercise.
“Comply with the above guidelines without which an export permit for the consignment shall not be issued,” the notice stated.
The authority warned that exporters and avocado oil processors who violate the closure guidelines risk having their export licences revoked.
It further cautioned that export permits would not be issued for consignments initiated in contravention of the restrictions.
The directorate said it would continue monitoring avocado maturity patterns and issue further guidance when necessary.
