Kenya seeks to boost horticultural exports to Italy by 3% in five years

Kenya is intensifying its efforts to increase its horticultural export market share to Italy by three per cent in the next five years.

Agricultural and Food Authority director general Dr Bruno Linyiru said in 2024, the value of Kenya’s horticultural exports stood at Sh71.8 billion, with two per cent of this — equivalent to Sh1.4 billion — being shipped to Italy.

“Kenya is targeting a substantial rise, aiming to reach approximately Sh3.6 billion in exports to Italy over the next five years,” he added.

Linyiru spoke during the signing of an MoU with MACFRUT, the organisers of an international fresh produce exhibition in Italy.

MACFRUT is known for hosting major exhibitions in Europe, particularly in Italy.

He said Kenya’s horticultural export volume to the EU has declined, dropping from 213,170 tonnes valued at Sh80.3 billion in 2023 to 188,956 tonnes worth Sh71.8 billion in 2024.

In the last five years, Kenya’s horticultural exports to Italy totaled 23,217 tonnes valued at Sh10.14 billion (approximately $75.8 million), representing three per cent of Kenya’s total EU exports which are valued at Sh375 billion.

“Italy is among the top five export destinations, contributing three per cent by volume and two per cent by value in 2024,” he added.

Italy remains a crucial trading partner for Kenya’s horticultural products, ranking 11th in overall export value, accounting for two per cent of total exports in 2024.

The primary products exported to Italy include fruits (55 per cent), followed by flowers (36 per cent), herbs and spices (eight per cent) and vegetables (one per cent) Italy accounted for one per cent of total flower exports, with 454.4 tonnes of roses exported in 2024.

As for fruit exports, Italy ranked 8th, representing three per cent of Kenya’s total fruit export market share. The primary imports from Kenya to Italy include avocado oil (62 per cent) and fresh Hass avocados (32 per cent).

“Our goal is to improve our product offering in Italy,” Linyiru said. He said market access is vital, and Kenya is taking advantage of EU’s Economic Partnership Agreement to improve access to European markets.

“We’re committed to maintaining high standards through the Horticulture Code of Practice, ensuring that we meet EU requirements and improve the quality of our exports. We’ve implemented traceability systems to track products from farm to final destination, ensuring quality control,” he said.

The MoU will enable Kenya to exhibit at MACFRUT. Linyiru encouraged exporters to take part in showcasing their horticultural products.

“We want to expose our farmers and exporters to the market in Italy. There’s room to grow and we aim to increase our market share in Italy,” he added.

Christine Chesaro, Ag Director of the Horticultural Crops Directorate said Kenya’s exports to the EU is diverse with flowers making up 80 per cent of exports, followed by fruits (30 per cent) and vegetables (20 per cent).

She however noted that Kenya faces challenges related to interceptions and notifications, particularly regarding flowers and vegetables.

“Last year, we had around 50 interceptions, and we’re addressing this by complying with new EU regulations. By April 2025, we expect full compliance with the registration of flower producers,” Chesaro said.