Shanghai receives first batch of fresh avocados imported from Kenya, Africa

Photo taken on Feb. 4, 2021 shows avocados hanging on a branch in Muranga County, Kenya. (Xinhua/Bedah Mengo)

72 kg of fresh avocados from Kenya arrived in Shanghai by air on Wednesday, becoming the first batch of fresh avocados imported from Africa to China, according to Shanghai Customs District.

In order to keep the avocados fresh and reduce the rate of cargo damage, the Customs office in Shanghai's Pudong Airport has actively connected with the importer and did the best to let the fruits pass quickly under the premise of ensuring supervision.

In June 2019, China's General Administration of Customs (GAC) issued a notice allowing the import of frozen avocados from Kenya that met quarantine requirements, making Kenya the first country in Africa to export avocados to China. On June 1, 2022, the GAC gave nod to allow qualified fresh avocado from Kenya to enter Chinese market.

The first batch of avocados is imported as sample this time. The new batches will be imported on a large scale if the domestic importer confirms the quality of avacados.

In addition to Kenya, South Africa, Mozambique, Tanzania and Zimbabwe are also preparing to export avocados to China.