Karakuta opens new packhouse to boost Kenya’s avocado exports
New 7,500-tonne facility aims to improve quality and support smallholder farmers
KENYA – Kenyan avocado exporter Karakuta Fresh Produce has launched a modern packhouse in Nairobi to raise export volumes and deepen ties with local growers.
Karakuta CEO Grace Ngungi cut the ribbon on the 7,500‑tonne grading and packing plant last week. The company plans to process fruit from its 180‑acre model farm and from more than 1,500 smallholder farmers in Kiambu, Nyeri, Kirinyaga and Meru counties.
Ngungi said, “This packhouse is not just an infrastructure investment it is a platform for transforming livelihoods.” She added that by combining modern machinery with farmer networks, Karakuta will meet global standards for traceability and quality.
Equity Group financed the facility. Their CEO James Mwangi said that the investment “unlocks value far beyond primary production.” He praised the project as proof that Kenyan agribusiness can scale up while creating jobs and raising incomes.
Kenyan avocado exports have faced losses because of uneven grading and packing. With the new facility, Karakuta aims to ship fruit that matches the strict size, weight and ripeness rules imposed by overseas markets.
Ngungi noted that strict quality control will help Kenyan growers compete with rivals in Mexico, Peru and South Africa.
In its first harvest year, Karakuta shipped eight containers of avocados. Ngungi told Capital Business that the company aims to export 60 containers in 2025.
“This facility enables us to consistently meet export market requirements and empower smallholder farmers with better returns,” she said. “We want every farmer who works with us to feel they own a piece of this success.”
Growing Kenyan avocado sector
Kenyan avocado production will rise by 4 percent in 2025 to reach 585,000 metric tons, driven by strong global demand and support programs for farmers. The export value jumped 11 percent in 2024, hitting 159 million dollars.
The country’s planted area is set to increase by 6 percent to 34,000 hectares, as the government provides more high‑quality seedlings and training.
Murang’a, Kiambu and Nakuru remain the top producing counties. Farmers grow mostly the Hass and Fuerte varieties, which harvest from March to August and again from October to December.
With the new packhouse up and running, Karakuta Fresh Produce will help shape a more competitive and profitable future for Kenya’s avocado growers.
Sign up HERE to receive our email newsletters with the latest news and insights from Africa and around the world, and follow us on our WhatsApp channel for updates.
