Agricultural company Kakuzi has confirmed its participation in the forthcoming “Fruit Logistica” trade show set for Berlin, Germany, as part of efforts to market Kenyan fresh fruits.
The Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE) listed avocado, macadamia, and blueberries producer will be one of the 2,594 fresh produce trade stakeholders participating in this year’s fresh produce trade show.
Speaking when he confirmed the firm’s participation in the crucial European market trade show, Kakuzi Plc managing director Christopher Flowers said, the firm will pursue trade engagements in Europe focusing on avocado and blueberry buyers.
Kakuzi, Mr. Flowers disclosed, will be attending the trade fair on the back of a successful 2022 trading season which saw the firm close the year with a full order book for its avocados.
“Similar meetings with fresh produce stakeholders from the Far East are also planned to cement relationships with our esteemed Chinese clients further,” he said.
Flowers noted that Kakuzi’s participation in the trade show is part of its contribution to national development by pursuing export-led growth opportunities.
“Every fruit we export carries the Kenya quality reputation. Both the Europeans and the new Chinese market are demanding high-quality fruit, and that’s got to be our enduring objective; giving our customers a fruit they want more of while sustaining Kenya’s market and brand positioning,” he said.
According to Fruit Logistica’s latest European Statistics Handbook, a shift towards price as a critical driver of consumer spending is emerging as a key market trend. The report indicates that avocados and blueberries remain in a prime position as some of the top five fresh fruits imported into Europe.
Respectively, in Italy and the United Kingdom, avocados are the leading fresh fruit imports, having registered an average of “12% and 15% volume growth” in the last decade.
“Despite a market recovery, post-Covid, demand and value are under pressure in some cases due to the cost of living crisis. For some consumers, the importance of drivers like sustainability, regionality and organics has decreased,” the study said.
