Kenya has sent its first-ever shipment of Apple mangoes to the United Kingdom, marking an important milestone for the country’s horticulture sector and opening a new high-value export market for local farmers.
The pilot shipment was officially flagged off at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA). It reflects years of effort in improving farming practices, meeting international standards, and strengthening trade systems that had previously limited Kenya’s access to premium fruit markets.
The shipment was made possible through cooperation between several partners, including the Kenya Export Promotion and Branding Agency (KEPROBA), TradeMark Africa, Kenya Airways, the Fresh Produce Consortium, and the Federation of Produce Exporters Association of Kenya (FPEAK), together with government regulators and industry players.
Speaking at the launch, KEPROBA Chief Executive Officer Floice Mukabana said the export shows Kenya’s ability to meet strict international quality and safety standards. She noted that the move will help farmers earn higher incomes, especially in major mango-producing areas.
Apple mangoes are mainly grown in Makueni County and make up more than 80 percent of Kenya’s mango production. The fruit is known for its uniform size, bright skin, low fiber, and sweet taste, qualities that have helped it gain international recognition.
For many years, the UK market was difficult for Kenya to access because of plant health and safety challenges, especially fruit fly infestations. These issues led to a self-imposed export ban between 2010 and 2014. Since then, Kenya has invested heavily in fruit fly control, orchard and packhouse registration, residue testing, and cold-chain systems to meet European food safety requirements.
The pilot shipment to the UK will test whether Kenya can consistently meet regulatory and commercial standards under the UK–Kenya Economic Partnership Agreement. British High Commission Economic Counsellor Daniel Wilcox said the shipment shows progress in removing trade barriers and supports the goal of doubling trade between Kenya and the UK by 2030.
Kenya produces about 650,000 tonnes of mangoes each year, valued at more than Sh10 billion. Most of this production comes from smallholder farmers, with women and young people making up a large part of the workforce.
Access to the UK market is expected to improve rural livelihoods, encourage better orchard management, and promote higher quality production. Apple mangoes are harvested twice a year, allowing exporters to supply the UK during peak demand seasons.
The trial shipment is being closely monitored to assess transport, cold storage, and market response. If successful, it could lead to regular exports and strengthen Kenya’s reputation as a reliable supplier of high-quality tropical fruit.
