Tanzanian avocados set to hit shelves in China
What you need to know:
- With over 1.4 billion consumers and a growing appetite for avocados, China presents a vast opportunity for Tanzanian farmers.
Dar es Salaam. Tanzanian avocados are poised to hit the shelves of China's booming fruit market following a major breakthrough in export clearance.
China's General Administration of Customs (GACC) has chosen three Tanzanian farms for video inspection - a crucial step towards granting market access for locally grown "butter fruits".
This significant development comes after sustained efforts by the Tanzanian government and industry champion TAHA.
The chosen farms – Usa Limited in Arusha, Rutuba in Iringa, and Africado in Kilimanjaro – will undergo video inspections during the upcoming March harvest season. If successful, this will pave the way for other Tanzanian plantations to join the lucrative Chinese market.
With over 1.4 billion consumers and a growing appetite for avocados, China presents a vast opportunity for Tanzanian farmers.
This access is expected to boost their incomes, attract investments in agro-processing, and significantly contribute to the national goal of increasing horticultural exports to $2 billion annually.
Tanzania, currently the third-largest avocado producer in Africa, previously faced export restrictions to China due to phytosanitary concerns.
However, the GACC's decision reflects growing confidence in Tanzania's ability to comply with strict safety standards.
Dr. Jacqueline Mkindi, CEO of TAHA, expressed her gratitude to President Samia and Minister of Agriculture Hussein Bashe for their instrumental roles in securing this market access. She also highlighted China's increasing focus on imports from Africa, creating favorable conditions for Tanzanian produce.
This development is expected to significantly increase avocado production in Tanzania, benefiting both smallholder and large-scale farmers.
Additionally, Tanzania enjoys a logistical advantage over South American producers, with avocados reaching China in just 28 days compared to 60-70 days.
"It's a win-win situation for everyone," Dr. Mkindi concluded. "Tanzanian avocados will grace Chinese shelves, our economy will benefit from foreign currency and job creation, and investors will gain confidence in the industry."
