Nairobi, Kenya —Kenya has officially taken a seat at the top table of the global avocado industry. Mr. Chris Flowers, Managing Director of Kakuzi PLC, has been appointed to the World Avocado Congress Committee (WACC) — the governing body that shapes the direction of the world’s most influential avocado platform.
This appointment marks a milestone for Kenya, a country that has emerged as one of the top avocado producers worldwide, with annual output nearing 562,000 metric tons and export earnings exceeding $159 million in 2024, projected to hit $175 million in 2025. With production spread across tens of thousands of hectares — predominantly in Murang’a, Kiambu, Kisii, and Nakuru — and over 70% of growers being smallholder farmers, Kenya’s avocado industry is not only large but rapidly growing in sophistication and global reach.
The WACC comprises representatives from major avocado-producing nations, including Mexico, Peru, South Africa, Israel, New Zealand, Australia, and Spain. By joining this elite committee, Kenya now has a platform to influence trade policies, sustainability initiatives, and technological innovations shaping the global avocado sector.
“Kenya’s growing export footprint — particularly to Europe, the Middle East, and emerging markets like China — means our perspectives on production standards, market access, and sustainable farming are now part of global decision-making,” says an industry analyst.
The World Avocado Congress, held every few years, convenes growers, researchers, marketers, and policymakers to set research agendas, expand market access, and promote sustainability. Kenya’s inclusion ensures that African priorities and production realities are directly voiced on the international stage.
As demand for avocados continues to surge globally, Kenya is no longer just a supplier — it is a key influencer. This appointment underscores the country’s rising stature as a strategic avocado hub, capable of shaping both global market trends and sustainable agricultural practices.