Summary:
- Karakuta, a leading Kenyan avocado producer, is expanding its production using innovative clonal technology and venturing into Tanzania to ensure year-round avocado supplies. CEO Grace Ngungi reports increased yields and aims for expanded exports despite challenges in transit times and supply interruptions.
Karakuta, a leading avocado producer based in Juja, Kiambu County, Kenya, is significantly expanding its Hass avocado production through innovative investments in clonal technology and new ventures in Tanzania.
Situated just 45 minutes from Nairobi, Karakuta is rapidly emerging as a prominent agribusiness in Kenya, specializing in Hass avocados and fresh herbs. The farm boasts 15,000 five-year-old avocado trees, meticulously irrigated and marketed under the esteemed Karakuta Fresh Produce brand.
Under the leadership of CEO Grace Ngungi, Karakuta has forged a strategic partnership with Brokaw Viveros, a renowned nursery in Spain, to establish an orchard featuring 3,000 clonal technology trees. Ngungi explains that clonal technology not only enhances yields but also provides resistance to diseases, significantly outperforming traditional orchards with yields of around 30 tonnes per hectare compared to 15-18 tonnes.
This investment marks Karakuta as the third Kenyan company to adopt clonal seedlings, a move expected to amplify the farm’s export capabilities. Ngungi reports a substantial increase in yields this year, attributed to favorable weather conditions resulting in fruits with a rich, creamy taste.
The primary avocado season in Kenya spans from March to July, with a secondary, shorter season occurring around October. Anticipating robust growth, Ngungi projects exports of 37 containers this season, a 30% surge from 2023. While Spain and the Netherlands remain key markets, Karakuta aims to expand its presence in the UK and UAE markets.
However, challenges arise from extended transit times, particularly in the Red Sea region, impacting delivery schedules and payment processes. Despite these hurdles, Karakuta remains resilient, aiming to extend its export window and mitigate supply disruptions.
Expanding its footprint, Karakuta has initiated operations in Tanzania, partnering with local farms to ensure year-round supplies of Hass avocados under the Karakuta Fresh Produce brand. With Tanzania’s extended season spanning from March to January, Karakuta is poised to meet the growing demand for high-quality avocados in global markets.