Most of the exporters source their avocados in Central Kenya where Hass and Fuerte (Most sought out) varieties are in plenty. This Commercial/ grafted varieties (Hass & Fuerte) account for over 60% of avocado tree population. Main export destinations for Kenyan Avocado are in EU and UAE. At least 20% of the grafted varieties are exported. Netherlands is the main trade hub of avocados in Europe though large volumes are re-exported to Germany, France, UK, and other Scandinavian countries.

Policy Regulations:
Avocado sector operates under the broader Ministry of Agriculture policy. National Horticultural Policy- addresses key issues affecting the industry and harmonizes coordination and execution of various roles. Key issues addressed that touch on avocado farming include; quality of planting materials, extension and support services as well as trade and value addition.
National Agricultural Extension Policy- harmonizes how extension service is provided and tries to regulate players. It also promotes for demand driven extension services.
Global GAP regulations -ensures that production is done using the right planting materials, pest and disease control using recommended chemicals, Sanitary and Pyto-sanitary Standards
(SPS) and other issues relating to environment and concerns of smallholder farmers.

Laws and Regulations
Avocado sub-sector is regulated under various laws and regulations that include;
 Fresh produce standards
 KEBS standards on processed products
 Fresh produce poaching laws- ensures exporters contract farmers and honour their contracts
 HCDA, Code of Conduct outlining relations and obligations of buyers (exporter or processors) and sellers (producers).
 Legal Notice No. 231 cited as HCDA (Export) Order 1995
 The Pest Control Products (Registration) Regulations – L.N. 46/1984 and L/N. 109/1984
 The Pest Control Products (Labelling, Advertising and Packaging) Regulations – L.N.127/2006

Tips;
 Diversify-Combine your export with other markets outside Europe so as to spread trade risks.
 Obtain certification of farms in line with Global GAP standards which is key to accessing lucrative markets in the EU. This is done by Afri cert.
 Ensure you are affiliated to a structured/formal farmer organization. Exporters are particularly key in this process where they are helping contracted farmers get organized and certificated.
 Check in with your local food safety authority department on phytosanitary requirements/ agreement entered with the country you intend to export to.
 Remember importers prefer large producers to guarantee supply certainty .Ensure that you have the right volumes and quality to supply.
 Ensure you are updated on market developments on the European avocado market and beyond by occasionally visit sites like, fresh plaza, fruitnet, fruit top, fresh fruit portal.
 Sign up to fairs and network with other buyers in the export space ate sites such as fruit attraction a trade community for the fruit and veg sector that offers information ,targeted content and business relationships.
 Find buyers that supply larger retailers in select countries to give you a head start. This is through fairs like fruit logistica virtual market place.