Kenya could soon break into the global blueberries export market as listed agribusiness firm Kakuzi and berries marketing firm Driscoll’s partner to grow the local and export volumes.
As part of Kakuzi’s blueberry export plans, the firm is undertaking commercial engagements with Driscoll’s, the global market leader in fresh strawberries, blueberries, raspberries and blackberries.
While confirming the blueberry export plans, Kakuzi PLC managing director Chris Flowers said a Driscoll’s market evaluation team conducted a fact-finding tour of the firm’s orchards in Makuyu, Murang’a county, early this week.
The Driscoll’s delegation was conducted on a guided tour of the 10-hectare blueberry orchards at Kakuzi.
The blueberry venture, which has been undergoing production and commercial trials, Flowers said, is part of the firm’s revenue diversification strategy.
Kakuzi has heavily invested in the new venture where ten hectares have been planted with the plant and already fruiting and feeding export markets within countries in the European Union.
Blueberries are sold fresh and can also be processed to make a wide variety of other products such as juice, jam, cakes, and wine.
In the last financial year, Kakuzi disclosed that the firm’s Blueberry production had grown in the previous financial year. The current blueberry production has been fully sold in the local and export markets.
“Kakuzi’s pilot commercial trials have done what they were meant to do, and we have learnt a lot in preparation for our future expansion plans in this blueberry venture,” Flowers said
High value crops including berries are taking off across East Africa.
While they might not be as popular as traditional crops yet, they’re gaining popularity really fast.
Strawberry farming, for instance, is currently trending at the top of this list.
In Kenya, farmers are sowing the seeds and expecting to reap rich rewards. The mature berries have a ready market in the country, and the demand is nowhere near being met.
