Kenya’s largest avocado producer, Kakuzi PLC, has bagged five awards at the annual Avocado Industry Excellence Awards held at the Trademark Hotel, Nairobi on Saturday.

Kakuzi, which had been nominated for a record 6 awards in 4 different categories, managed to scoop two awards in the first category to become 1st runners up in the rest.

Kakuzi MD Chris Flowers took home the Avocado Person of the year Awards and was feted for his vital input in the Kenya avocado industry and his pledge to quality, traceable and sustainable production as well as introducing the Kenyan fruit to China.

The agribusiness company also emerged number one in the Growers Category by bagging the Large-Scale Orchards over 100 Acres Awards.

The firm, which started planting avocados in 1996 and has experienced increased productivity with each passing year, currently boasts of 2,292 acres of Hass Avocado.

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Crops Development and Agricultural Research PS Kello Harsama and Kakuzi MD Chris Flowers. PHOTO/KAKUZI

Its farm is also certified by Rainforest Alliance, Global G.A.P., GRASP and SMETA while the Packhouse is FSSC 22000 certified hence ensuring full control over its entire value chain.

Kakuzi also emerged 1st runners-up in the Growers Category, Nursery-Seedling Awards; 1st runners up in the Exporters Category, Large Scale-200 Containers Awards; and 1st Runners up in the Auxiliary Service Category, Packhouse Awards.

While receiving the award, Flowers called for adoption of quality assurance in Kenya agribusiness growing and processing to maintain the nation’s position as an exporter.

(L-R) Kakuzi’s Jonathan Kipruto, Monica Nyambura, Chris Flowers and Lucy Gichuki. PHOTO/KAKUZI

“Every fruit we export carries our reputation,” Flowers said as he reaffirmed Kakuzi’s values.

The awards seek to maintain unique performance standards by encouraging value chain players to move towards a collaborative approach while noting feats by individual players.

KAEA, which is in its third edition, is targeting the avocado value-chain community, both individuals and organizations, in Kenya that endeavor to strengthen and grow their services.