• Kenya shipped its first mango consignment to the UK on December 20

• The move is part of a pilot to open new high-value export markets

• Less than 5% of Kenya’s mango output is currently exported

Kenya’s mango sector has shipped its first consignment to the United Kingdom, marking a new step in efforts to expand exports of the fruit. The shipment left on December 20, according to a statement from the Ministry of Trade, Investment, and Industry.

The export forms part of a pilot project aimed at securing new outlets on the UK market. While authorities did not disclose the volume involved in this initial shipment, they said access to markets such as the United Kingdom offers opportunities for job creation and higher incomes across the mango value chain. The ministry said the launch reflects Kenya’s expanding presence in high-value export markets and highlights strong collaboration between government agencies, development partners, and the private sector to support agricultural exports.

The United Kingdom is Europe’s third-largest mango importer after the Netherlands and Germany. Data compiled from the Trade Map platform show that the country imported an average of about 81,000 tons of mangoes per year between 2020 and 2024, with average annual import values of around $220 million over the same period.

Kenya’s mango sector, which is seeking to gain a foothold in this market, faces competition from well-established suppliers. In 2024, Trade Map data indicate that 31% of the UK’s mango imports came from Brazil. Other major suppliers include Pakistan, India, and Côte d’Ivoire, each accounting for about 8% of shipments.

Kenya’s mango production averaged 782,890 tons between 2019 and 2023. Currently, less than 5% of this output is exported, underscoring the scope authorities see for expanding international sales.

Stéphanas Assocle