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Kakuzi MD Chris Flowers assures international buyers that local stakeholders are working in concert to manage the prevailing logistical disruptions arising from geopolitical tensions 07/02…A Kenyan business leader in the fresh produce sector has assured global buyers that the country is working hard to overcome the unique logistical and shipping challenges brought about by the Middle East Conflict. Speaking at the opening of this year’s Fruit Logistica 2025 trade show in Berlin, Germany, Kakuzi Plc Managing Director Mr Chris Flowers assured global buyers that local producers, exporters, shipping firms and the Government of Kenya agencies are working in concert to manage the prevailing logistical disruptions arising from geopolitical tensions. Mr Flowers acknowledged that the tensions have significantly impacted national competitiveness and threatens the survival of agribusiness players in Kenya due to logistical and supply chain problems caused by the effective closure of the Suez Canal and the Red Sea/Gulf of Aden’s general route to European markets. He expressed regret that from a low of 30 to 35 days, shipments to Europe now take more than 50 days to reach the crucial market. “However, I can assure you that all stakeholders, including Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary for Agriculture, are working together to ensure that our produce reaches the European market on time and in good quality,” Mr Flowers said on the sidelines of Fruit Logistica 2025, the world’s leading trade show for the fresh produce business. At the same time, Mr Flowers assured the key buyers that Kakuzi, among other leading export firms, is working closely with the Kenyan Phytosanitary authorities to curb the export of immature fruit through maturity testing services and enhanced surveillance. To alleviate the plight of Kenyan exporters, Mr Flowers acknowledged that Kakuzi's key shipping partners are working round the clock to develop faster routes to Europe. However, he reemphasized that every day counts, further reducing logistics times is critical. "We all need to put our heads together and rescue any Country bottleneck that exists," he said. Last year, the geopolitical unrest in the Middle East introduced new risks to this critical maritime route through the Suez Canal and the Red Sea/Gulf of Aden. Incidents such as attacks on shipping vessels have raised security concerns and led to significant disruptions in marine traffic flow. In response, shipping companies, wary of potential threats to their assets and crew, have opted for alternative routes despite the longer journey times and higher costs, negatively impacting fresh produce exporters’. To reach Europe, Ships ferrying fresh produce such as Avocados have been travelling from Mombasa to the port of Salala in Oman. In Oman, the containers of avocados are transferred onto another larger ship, which then travels around the Cape of Good Hope and into Europe. In Europe, the containers are trans-shipped at Algeciras Port, southern Spain, moved to Northern Europe via Rotterdam or Felixstowe, and arrive near ripe. Mr Flowers noted that starting in February 2025, one of the major shipping lines will bypass Algeciras Port and head directly to Rotterdam from Salala. This has the potential to save precious days, he noted. This year, Fruit Logistica 2025 is featuring an outstanding programme of events. Over 100 experts, invited exhibitors, including Kenya’s Agriculture and Food Authority - Horticultural Crops Directorate, and trade visitors, are meeting in Berlin to discuss the latest trends and forward-looking concepts. Fruit Logistica 2025 covers the entire value chain of the fresh fruit and vegetable trade, from the point of seed to the point of sale. With over 2,600 exhibitors from more than 90 countries in 26 exhibition halls, the trade fair is an indispensable meeting place for the fresh fruit industry. Fruit Logistica 2025 has welcomed a record-breaking number of Smart Agri exhibitors, showcasing cutting-edge innovations shaping the future of agriculture. The Smart Agri exhibition area features 36 pioneering exhibitors from 18 countries, marking a significant increase over last year. These exhibitors will present Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology for estimating fruit yields, farm management and quality control software, sustainable and precise irrigation solutions, data-driven precision pollination, drones revolutionising agriculture, and much more.

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Kenyan fresh produce exporters assure European buyers as logistical challenges persist

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Safaricom Targets 2,500 M-PESA Merchants with Speedier Transactions

Special Correspondent - November 15, 2018

Lipa Na M-PESA Customers to Also Benefit From Increased Privacy and Accuracy When Making Payments Safaricom (NSE: SCOM) has today announced the deployment of...

The Next Einstein Forum launches search for Africa’s top scientific talent for prestigious Fellows...

Special Correspondent - November 14, 2018

The selected Next Einstein Forum (NEF) Fellows will present their research and breakthroughs at the next NEF Global Gathering to be held in Nairobi,...

A-List Attendees throw weight behind Africa Investment Forum 2018

Special Correspondent - November 14, 2018

Prominent foreign envoys in attendance at the Forum, signaled growing interest in trade and partnership deals in Africa from Europe and overseas Heads of State,...

United States Embassy Launches SolveIt! 2019 During Global Entrepreneurship Week

Special Correspondent - November 14, 2018

At the launch ceremony, the top three winners from the SolveIt! 2018 competition shared their experiences and advice for aspiring entrepreneurs The U.S. government is...

Greenpeace Africa Celebrates A Decade Of Environmental Activism

Special Correspondent - November 14, 2018

Partnering with artists, volunteers and other civil society organisations, the environmental watchdog is organising an open day to spark an environmental revolution This November, Greenpeace...

Health Ministry Partners With Non-Communicable Diseases Alliance Of Kenya And Safaricom For NCD Information...

Special Correspondent - November 14, 2018

Fafanuka to leverage SMS and USSD to educate the public on NCDs Kenyans can now access information on non-communicable diseases (NCDs) directly from...

Launching Islamic Corporation for the Development of the Private Sector (ICD)’s New Website

Special Correspondent - November 7, 2018

The website also has comprehensive new sections with updated news and events, financial and project information, and corporate governance information The Islamic Corporation for the...

M-PESA Empowers Kenyans to Send and Receive Money Across The World

Special Correspondent - November 7, 2018

In Another First, Kenyans to Send and Receive Money Across The World Into Bank Accounts and At Over 500,000 Western Union Agent Locations Safaricom (NSE:...

Women Shine at the 2018 Anzisha Prize Awards

Special Correspondent - October 30, 2018

Grand Prize winner and second-runner up are providing healthcare solutions that are changing lives in Africa JOHANNESBURG, South Africa, October 30, 2018/ -- The Mastercard...

Inaugural China Kenya Career Fair Set for Monday

Special Correspondent - October 27, 2018

Multinationals from China to Hold Career Fair to Give Opportunities to Local Youth A consortium of more than 90 Multinational Companies from China...

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