Avocado update: stable volumes and growing supply

Avocado update: stable volumes and growing supply

The first avocado volumes from Kenya and Tanzania have arrived and are now available, with stable volumes expected from East Africa this season.

Kenya: production forecast for 2026 in line with 2025

Despite some regional agronomic challenges in 2025, the production forecast for 2026 in Kenya is in line with 2025, both in terms of volume and export quality.

Our partner Mavuno works closely with small growers and actively promotes the application of Fairtrade principles in practice. Intensive guidance at field level further deepens professionalisation within the chain.

Due to the success of the Fairtrade programme via Eosta, 50 additional growers are currently working towards Fairtrade certification, with the aim of increasing production volumes for 2026. In addition, joint initiatives are being rolled out to optimise arrival quality and further professionalise internal ripeness control.

Tanzania: quality and volume growth continues

Positive developments are continuing in Tanzania. Thanks to improved field management and stricter handling at farm level, both quality and volumes are increasing. This further strengthens the cultivation base and provides a stable starting position for exports.

Logistics: shipping routes and transit times

Due to congestion in European ports and security concerns in the Red Sea, combined with the current situation in the Middle East, international shipping routes have been adjusted, which may affect transit times. Carriers continuously monitor the situation and adjust routing where necessary to maintain the most efficient transit possible.

In addition, further optimisation of the route remains under discussion, including more direct sailings to Rotterdam without intermediate stops in order to reduce overall transit times.

Interested in our East Africa avocado programme for 2026, including promotional opportunities? We would be happy to discuss the details with you.

Organic grapes 2026/27: plan ahead to secure volumes

The overseas grape season starts in mid-December, but planning begins now. Demand for organic grapes remains strong and our growers need early visibility on the volumes they can reserve for fixed programmes. By aligning programmes in advance, we can secure organic volumes more effectively and are also in a stronger position to offer competitive pricing.

Carpe Diem: quality organic grapes start with the soil

Along the Orange River in South Africa’s Northern Cape lies Carpe Diem, a long-standing and trusted partner for our organic grapes. Owner Gog van der Colff took over the family business in 2000 and made the deliberate decision to switch to organic farming in 2006. What began as a step that not everyone was initially convinced by has developed into a progressive organic farm producing grapes, pecans and raisins.

Mango outlook: tighter Peru supply, strong start in Ecuador

El Niño is clearly affecting the South American mango season this year. Higher temperatures and unusual rainfall patterns are disrupting flowering, making availability and harvest timing less predictable.