Boost for Horticulture A Logistic Firms Unveil Ksh 30M Cooling Facility

Boost for Horticulture Sector as Logistic Firms Unveil Ksh 30M Cooling Facility

By Jane Muia / Published January 19, 2023 | 9:44 am

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The equipment can cool up to 2,000 kilograms of fresh produce per hour, and it is expected to help Kenyan horticulture exporters meet the growing demand for fresh produce exports in Europe, the Middle East, and Asia.

Logistics firm Mitchell Cotts Freight Kenya Limited in partnership with Perishable Movements Kenya Limited and Fresh Handling Kenya Limited have unveiled a 30 million shillings modernized vacuum cooling service to enhance the preservation of horticultural exports.

The facility, which is located at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) will help farmers and traders tame losses by extending the shelf life of their produce.

“Overall, with the installation of the vacuum cooler at our cargo terminal, we are confident it will help horticulture farmers maximize their profits. The service is expected to improve the efficiency and reliability of fresh produce exports from Kenya to international markets and will be available to customers who book their cargo through either of our partners,” said Mitchell Cotts Managing Director Group Daniel Tanui.

The facility will also help exporters of perishable products like fresh flowers, herbs, and vegetables comply with stringent quality requirements of the international markets.

The vacuum cooling service is also expected to boost the country’s export earnings and increase the competitiveness of Kenya’s exports in the global fresh produce market.

“We have invested heavily in the development of the service and are confident that it will help to increase the quality of fresh produce exports from Kenya,” said Silas Kashindi, CEO of Perishable Movements Kenya Limited.

The European Union accounts for the largest portion of Kenyan horticultural exports, taking in 45 percent of the exports majorly comprising cut flowers, French beans, snow peas, and Asian vegetables.

Agriculture and Food Authority (AFA) -the crops regulator is working at diversifying the market as it seeks to cut reliance on the European market which it says could hurt Kenya’s produce if the market becomes volatile.

The horticulture sector has remained Kenya’s leading foreign exchange earner in the last three years, surpassing tea and tourism. Horticultural exports hit a historic high of 158 billion shillings in 2021, boosted by the high demand for Kenyan produce in the world market as well as the development of innovative technologies and improved production and post-harvest management practices.