The Agriculture and Food Authority (AFA) has announced the official opening dates for the 2025/2026 avocado export season, setting April timelines for harvesting and export while warning dealers against harvesting immature produce.
In a notice to avocado dealers, the Authority said harvesting for export by sea shipment will commence on April 2, 2026, following improved fruit maturity levels across key growing regions.
The announcement comes after an earlier delay prompted by insufficient maturity levels observed during a field survey conducted between March 1 and March 6, 2026.
“The mature fruits were deemed insufficient to warrant opening of the avocado harvesting season then,” the Authority said, explaining the earlier extension of restrictions on harvesting for export.
However, AFA noted that conditions have since improved, allowing the export window to open under strict regulatory oversight aimed at maintaining quality standards in both local and international markets.
“All fresh export produce will be subject to packhouse inspection from April 7, 2026,” the Authority stated, directing exporters to apply for inspection at least three days before shipment.
The regulator also ordered exporters to submit a list of their duly registered Horticultural Produce Marketing Agents (HPMA) or suppliers by March 30, as part of efforts to streamline traceability and compliance within the sector.
In a move affecting processors, AFA set a later date for harvesting avocados intended for oil processing, noting that such produce requires higher maturity indices.
“Harvesting of avocado for oil processing will commence on April 30, 2026,” the Authority said.
The notice underscored strict handling and transportation requirements, directing that all harvested avocados must be transported in crates.
The Authority warned that failure to comply with horticultural regulations would attract severe penalties.
“Exporters or their agents found transporting or receiving avocado without crates or on open pick-up trucks or Probox vehicles… will have their registration or license revoked,” the notice read.
AFA raised concern over reports that some exporters and processors have been harvesting immature avocados, a practice that threatens Kenya’s reputation in international markets.
“It has been noted that some exporters and processors are harvesting immature avocado,” the Authority said, warning of heightened surveillance across packhouses and avocado oil processing facilities.
“Any processor or exporter found processing or packing immature avocado shall have their packhouse registration and export license revoked,” it added.
The Authority reiterated its mandate under the Agriculture and Food Authority Act of 2013 to regulate and promote scheduled crops while ensuring quality standards are upheld.
The new directives are expected to bring order to the avocado value chain, which has faced scrutiny in recent years over quality concerns and non-compliance with export regulations.
Acting Director General Calistus Kundu said the measures are necessary to safeguard the integrity of Kenya’s avocado exports and protect farmers’ earnings.
Stakeholders seeking clarification were advised to contact the Authority through official communication channels as the sector prepares for the new export season under tighter controls.
