Farming & Harvest
At Keta Fresh Produce, everything begins in the fertile, sun-drenched soils of Kenya.
Our avocados are cultivated in ideal highland conditions, where clean air, ample rainfall, and nutrient-rich earth combine to produce fruit of exceptional taste and texture.
We work closely with a network of dedicated outgrowers and local farmers, following strict Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) to ensure responsible farming and sustainable land use. Every tree is carefully nurtured, and every fruit is handpicked at peak maturity — preserving its natural flavor, quality, and shelf life.
Our transparent farming methods allow full traceability from orchard to export, so you can trust the origin and integrity of every shipment.
Products
We grow, pack, and export avocados from Kenya, working closely with key growers in strong and sustainable partnerships. Our Avocado varieties include:
Hass Avocado
It is a Guatemalan-Mexican hybrid that has a buttery texture and a light green interior. It’s skin is rough and changes color from green to dark brown when ripe. It is fatter and less watery than tropical avocado, making it creamier and richer in flavour.
Fuerte
The second most popular commercial variety of avocado in the world, after Hass. The fuerte avocado is pear shaped with smooth, thin, easy-peeling green skins and creamy pale green flesh around a medium pear-shaped seed. They remain green when ripe.
Harvesting & Selection
Hass avocados are harvested at peak maturity, typically assessed 3-4 weeks in advance by sampling. When ready, the fruit shifts from deep green to blackish-purple. Using ladders, avocados are carefully handpicked and cut from the tree using scissors, leaving a 2-3 mm stem to prevent infections and ensure quality. Post-harvest, the fruit undergoes immediate quality checks and is stored at optimal temperatures to maintain freshness and prevent spoilage.
Selection Criteria
Avocados must be free from defects like malformations, sunburn, wounds, and insect damage, as well as diseases such as anthracnose and scab. The fruit's dry matter content should range between 21.5% and 28% to ensure quality and proper ripening.
Processing Steps
- Initial Selection: Remove any fruits that don't meet quality standards.
- Washing & Fungicide Treatment: Use treatments like Thiabendazole or Tecto to prevent decay.
- Drying & Brushing: Enhance appearance by drying and brushing.
- Sizing & Classification: Sort by diameter or weight.
- Packaging: Pack in 4 kg or 10 kg boxes based on size.
KENYA AVOCADO SEASONALITY
Kenya’s avocado season runs primarily from March to September, with peak harvests of Hass and Fuerte varieties. Fuerte avocados are available earlier in the season, from March to May, while Hass avocados are harvested from June to September. Due to Kenya's diverse climates and growing regions, production can be staggered, ensuring a steady supply of avocados throughout the year.
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