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Kenya has exported its first consignment of Apple mangoes to the United Kingdom, marking a significant achievement for the country’s horticultural sector ahead of the festive season and opening access to a high-value premium market.
The shipment demonstrates that Kenya has met the UK’s strict phytosanitary and food safety requirements, reflecting improved pest control, traceability, and cold-chain management throughout the mango value chain.
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The UK, which imported about 81,000 tonnes of fresh mangoes in 2023, represents a major year-round market. Apple mangoes—Kenya’s most widely cultivated variety—can now enter a segment previously inaccessible due to compliance challenges.
Apple mangoes, now accounting for over 80% of Kenya’s mango production, benefit from more than two decades of investment in better varieties, orchard management, and post-harvest handling. The fruit is valued for its uniform size, attractive colour, low fibre, sweetness, and long shelf life, qualities well-suited to UK retail standards.
Smallholder farmers largely drive the mango value chain, supporting rural incomes, youth and women participation, and livelihood diversification in key growing regions.
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Kenya produces roughly 650,000 tonnes of mangoes annually, valued at over Sh10 billion, making it one of Africa’s top producers. However, access to advanced markets was previously limited after fruit fly interceptions led to a self-imposed export ban from 2010 to 2014. Since then, Kenya has introduced national fruit-fly surveillance, mandatory orchard and packhouse registration, enhanced residue testing, and stronger cold-chain controls.
Although the ban was lifted in 2021, rebuilding confidence among buyers and regulators has taken time. The UK pilot shipment now serves as proof that investments in compliance can restore market access under the UK–Kenya Economic Partnership Agreement.
“This is a defining moment in Kenya’s export transformation,” said KEPROBA CEO Floice Mukabana. “Resuming Apple mango exports strengthens our competitiveness and directly benefits smallholder farmers, showing we can meet demanding global market standards.”
British High Commission Economic Counsellor Daniel Wilcox noted that the shipment highlights progress in overcoming trade barriers under the Kenya–UK Strategic Partnership, which aims to double trade by 2030.
TradeMark Africa Country Director Lillian Mwai added that the pilot reflects a shift from volume-driven exports to quality-led competitiveness, aligned with Kenya’s National Export Development Strategy.
The shipment was supported through the UK-funded Regional Economic Development and Trade Investment Programme, implemented by TradeMark Africa in collaboration with the Kenyan government and key horticultural stakeholders.
