Kenya’s Karakuta Fresh Produce Opens State-of-the-Art Avocado Packhouse to Boost Global Competitiveness

NAIROBI — Karakuta Fresh Produce, a leading Kenyan avocado producer and exporter, has launched a new 7,500-tonne capacity packhouse in Nairobi, a major step in its strategy to improve avocado quality and expand its presence in international markets.

The facility will process fruit harvested from Karakuta’s own 180-acre model farm, as well as avocados sourced from more than 1,500 smallholder farmers across Kiambu, Nyeri, Kirinyaga, and Meru counties. According to Chief Executive Officer Grace Ngungi, the investment is not just about infrastructure — it is about transforming lives.

“This packhouse is not just an infrastructure investment — it is a platform for transforming livelihoods,” Ngungi said during the launch event. “By combining modern machinery with the strength of our smallholder network, we’re ensuring that our fruit meets global benchmarks for quality and traceability.”

Kenyan avocado exports have faced persistent challenges related to inconsistent quality, affecting the country’s ability to compete globally. Karakuta’s new facility is specifically designed to address these concerns, with advanced grading and packing systems aimed at maintaining uniform standards across all shipments.

The construction of the packhouse was financed in partnership with Equity Group, a prominent financial institution in the region. Equity Group CEO James Mwangi hailed the project as a significant milestone for value addition in Kenyan agriculture.

“This investment unlocks value far beyond primary production,” Mwangi noted. “It creates more jobs and generates additional income throughout the value chain. Karakuta is proving that scaling is possible, and that women-led agribusinesses are not only bankable but also transformational.”

Karakuta’s journey began modestly, with just eight containers of avocados shipped in its first harvest year. The company now has ambitious plans to export 60 containers during the 2025 season — a target Ngungi believes is achievable thanks to the new facility.

“This facility enables us to consistently meet the quality requirements of export markets and empower smallholder farmers with better returns,” she said. “We want every farmer who works with us to feel that they are part of this success story.”

By investing in processing infrastructure and deepening partnerships with local growers, Karakuta Fresh Produce is positioning itself as a model for inclusive, high-value agricultural export development in East Africa.