This 1st shipment of Zambian avocados to Europe represents an important step, according to the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture, as it offers new opportunities to local farmers.
A few days ago Zambia started exporting avocados to Europe with a first shipment exceeding 37 tonnes. “This huge shipment of avocados destined for the European market represents a great opportunity for avocado growers in Zambia,” said Mr. Green Mbozi, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture.
Moreover, according to Kenneth Msiska, director of the Plant and Plant Health Service, the Zambian Ministry of Agriculture is in the process of finalizing discussions with the South African authorities to start exporting avocados to that country.
According to estimates by AGAZ (Avocado Growers Association of Zambia), the national production of avocados can manage to exceed 40,000 tonnes of avocados per year to meet the growing demand from other large markets, such as Europe or South Africa.