The first shipment of fresh avocados from Sunripe Vertical Agro has been marked off for sale to China.
Fresh avocados are now being exported by a second company to Shanghai, where there is a high demand for produce from Kenya.
Hasit Shah, the company’s managing director (MD), said during the ceremony that without the assistance of the government and other stakeholders, this remarkable move would not have been possible.
He attributed the massive support he received to be the key thing that accelerated the process since the company has taken a shorter period to make it possible, unlike other exporters who have taken a longer period to achieve exporting fresh avocados to China.
“What we have achieved together with all sector players together with the government is unbelievable. We have achieved in 3 ½ years what Mexico and everybody else has taken 10 years and while South Africa is still on the drawing board,” he stated.
He also encouraged the government and other firms to invest in fruit farming since there is a huge demand for avocados.
“We need to spend a lot of money on orchard management and producing very high-quality fruits. We also need to invest in marketing and value addition,” added Hasit.
This first batch that has been flagged off is expected to reach the Mombasa port tomorrow awaiting shipment.
It will then be shipped to China and will arrive in approximately 24 days.
The Chief Administrative Secretary (CAS) Industrialization, Trade and Enterprise Development David Osiany has appreciated the move noting it as a great way of cementing the bilateral relationship between Kenya and China.
“This great move affirms our commitment and desire to strengthen our friendship and cooperation that is aimed at enhancing and strengthening our trade and the economic relationship existing between our country Kenya and our wonderful partner China,” he stated.
