Kakuzi PLC has earned remarkable recognition in the Kenyan avocado sector, securing five nominations in the highly anticipated 2024 Kenya Avocado Industry Excellence Awards.
The awards, a key highlight for the industry, will celebrate exceptional contributions to the growth of the avocado sector during a glamorous gala on 5th December at the Argyle Grand Hotel in Nairobi.
Among the notable nominations is Chris Flowers, Managing Director of Kakuzi, who is in the running for the prestigious title of Avocado Person of the Year 2024.
His leadership, alongside the company’s strategic growth, has placed Kakuzi at the forefront of Kenya's avocado production.
The company also stands out in several key categories, including Large-Scale Orchards (with its expansive Murang’a orchards), Growers in Nursery and Seedlings, Large-Scale Export, and Auxiliary Services, particularly its state-of-the-art packhouse operations.
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Reflecting on the nominations, Chris Flowers expressed the company’s pride in these accolades.
"These are a testament to our dedication to excellence, quality, and sustainability," Flowers said.
"We take pride in contributing to Kenya’s avocado industry and supporting local farmers through training and innovation. Our integrated, traceable value chain demonstrates the highest standards from seedling to plate, showcasing Kenyan avocados on the global stage."
Now in its fifth year, the Kenya Avocado Industry Excellence Awards (KAEA) honours outstanding individuals and organisations driving Kenya's position as a global avocado powerhouse.
The awards emphasise quality service, innovation, and adherence to best practices, fostering healthy competition and collaboration within the sector.
Kakuzi's success is no accident. The company has seen impressive growth in its avocado production, with a 24 per cent increase in output over the last five years.
It now boasts a sprawling 987 hectares dedicated to avocado cultivation, producing over 14,000 tonnes in 2023 alone.
This growth has positioned Kakuzi as a key player in both local and international markets.
The company’s focus on sustainability is evident in its certifications, including the Rainforest Alliance and FSSC 22000 standards, which validate its commitment to responsible farming and environmental stewardship.
Its Global GAP-certified packhouse in Makuyu operates under rigorous quality standards, ensuring that Kakuzi's produce consistently meets international expectations.
In addition to its large-scale operations, Kakuzi has long been dedicated to supporting smallholder farmers, offering vital services such as technical extension and free maturity testing.
By equipping local growers with knowledge in best agricultural practices, Kakuzi helps to elevate the entire industry, ensuring that only the finest avocados reach the market, with a 24 per cent minimum dry matter standard.
Kakuzi’s approach is rooted in innovation, constantly exploring sustainable farming solutions such as integrated pest management, efficient water use, and crop husbandry improvements.
The company is also working to increase its pack-out rate—ensuring that a higher percentage of fruit meets export standards—targeting over 80 per cent for the upcoming year.
The 2024 Avocado Industry Excellence Awards promises to be an exciting event, not only for the recognition of Kakuzi’s achievements but for the entire avocado sector.
As the industry continues to grow, events like these highlight the collaborative spirit that drives Kenya’s agricultural transformation, creating a bright future for both large-scale producers and smallholder farmers alike.
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