A leading Kenyan agribusiness executive has assured international buyers that the country is actively addressing the logistical disruptions caused by the ongoing Middle East conflict. Speaking at the opening of the prestigious Fruit Logistica 2025 trade show in Berlin, Kakuzi Plc Managing Director, Mr Chris Flowers, affirmed that Kenyan producers, exporters, and government agencies are working together to mitigate the impact of supply chain challenges.
Mr Flowers highlighted that the crisis has significantly affected Kenya’s agricultural exports, particularly due to the effective closure of the Suez Canal and security concerns in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. These disruptions have extended shipping times from Kenya to European markets from an average of 30-35 days to over 50 days, posing a major threat to the competitiveness of Kenyan agribusinesses.
“However, I can assure you that all stakeholders, including Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary for Agriculture, are working together to ensure that our produce reaches the European market on time and in good quality,” Mr Flowers stated on the sidelines of the event.
He also emphasised the commitment of Kenyan exporters, including Kakuzi, to maintaining high quality standards through enhanced maturity testing services and increased surveillance to prevent the export of immature fruit.
To counteract shipping delays, Mr Flowers noted that key shipping partners are exploring alternative routes to Europe. He announced that, beginning in February 2025, a major shipping line will bypass Algeciras Port in Spain and head directly to Rotterdam from Salala, Oman, a move expected to save crucial transit days.
Last year’s geopolitical unrest in the Middle East led to heightened risks along the critical Suez Canal and Red Sea route, with attacks on shipping vessels prompting companies to seek alternative paths. Kenyan fresh produce, including avocados, is currently transported from Mombasa to Salala, Oman, where containers are transferred to larger ships that travel around the Cape of Good Hope before reaching Europe.
Fruit Logistica 2025, the world’s leading trade fair for the fresh produce sector, has attracted over 2,600 exhibitors from 90 countries, including Kenya’s Agriculture and Food Authority – Horticultural Crops Directorate. This year’s event is also witnessing a record-breaking number of Smart Agri exhibitors, with cutting-edge innovations such as AI-driven fruit yield estimation, precision pollination technology, and drone-based agricultural solutions taking centre stage.
With the global fresh produce industry increasingly reliant on efficient logistics, Kenya’s proactive measures to overcome these challenges are seen as crucial in maintaining its position as a leading exporter of high-quality fruits and vegetables.
