Over the past five years, India's imported avocado volumes have surged as consumer demand grows alongside steady supplies of Tanzanian Hass avocados, says Jai Kabra, Co-founder of Kenyan trading company Truport Transcontinental Limited, which evolved from a logistics service provider. "Our roots are in supply chain and logistics, so trading was a natural extension once we saw potential for avocados in the Indian market."
Kabra explains, "We supply only the Hass variety to India, with the Tanzanian season lasting from December to August. As volumes slow, we turn to regions like Rwanda, Burundi, and Uganda with short but promising windows for European and Gulf exports. However, these origins can also help bridge gaps and extend Indian supply." Kabra adds, "Although the Indian market is familiar with Tanzanian Hass, not many importers have explored other East African origins yet, mostly due to the required sizing and costs, which are typically $1.50 to $2.20 higher per box of 4 kg."
© Truport Transcontinental Limited
Truport exports approximately 110 tonnes of mixed origins in a month, adjusting sourcing across East African origins to meet buyer volumes and preferences. Kabra highlights, "Feedback on fruit from Rwanda, Burundi, and Uganda has been encouraging, with quality often matching or surpassing Tanzanian fruit. However, these origins are less explored among Indian importers, partly because of logistical complexities and the market's sensitivity to price."
Kabra mentions how logistics remain crucial, with strict harvesting, packing, and cold-storage timelines necessary to preserve fruit quality. "Minimizing human errors at the source and pre-planning backup supply routes is essential. Our logistics experience helps us to maintain strict cold-chain controls and ensure high-quality fruit arrives on time."
© Truport Transcontinental Limited
As India's avocado market matures and awareness grows, Kabra sees strong potential for expanding origin diversity in India. "While Kenya and Tanzania dominate the market, Uganda, Rwanda, and Burundi, recognized as Least Developed Countries by India's Directorate General of Foreign Trade, have the capacity to supply significant volumes during seasonal shortfalls. These origins are gradually earning recognition for their high-quality fruit. For now, building importer confidence through education and reliable supply chains will be key to unlocking their full potential," Kabra concludes.
For more information:
Jai Kabra
Truport Transcontinental Limited
Tel: +254 707 817 297
Email: [email protected]