In Europe, Kenya is mostly known for its snow peas and and beans, but the country produces many more vegetables, such as baby corn, scallion, spinach, exotics and sweet potatoes. George David Nyagisere, manager of Kisaju Fresh Limited, explains that they cultivate many types of fruits and vegetables. “Beans, snap peas, mangoes and avocados are produced mostly in large scale for commercial purposes, mainly export markets. We also cultivate several types of cabbage, pumpkin, onions and spinach etc on a small scale for the local market.”
Export to Europe
Kisaju Fresh Limited (KFL), owns about 100 acres of land (including contracted farms under KFL supervision). All the Company Farms have Global GAP certification. The company has agro-experts in its employ with great experience in the cultivation of vegetables. “Since 2014 we have embarked on a market expansion, focusing on the export of our fruits and vegetables. We currently export to the UK, but are interested in other European countries and the Far East as well. That is the main reason that led to our participation in the fresh produce fair Macfrut in Rimini this year.”
Vegetable boom
Kisaju Fresh Limited, will be able to easily anticipate a growing future demand. “If we have too little of our own production of certain products, we have many local cultivators who could then supply us. Naturally, we will make sure the products meet our quality requirements. Our customers appreciate us for our expertise, and we hope future buyers also notice this. As a country, Kenya has grown quickly in the export of flowers in recent years. We would like a similar boom in vegetables.”
