Strawberries market in Kenya

Earlier Report Observations

The strawberry market volume in Kenya expanded from 414 tons in 2018 to 509 tons in 2019. This growth was propelled by increasing health consciousness among consumers, particularly urban millennials shifting from soda to smoothies and yogurt, which boosted strawberry consumption. Simultaneously, the Horticulture Crops Directorate emphasized export certification processes, helping Kenyan strawberries reach markets in the UAE, Qatar, and the EU.

After a slight dip to 493 tons in 2020, the market contracted sharply to 379 tons in 2021. The introduction of high-quality hybrids like Chandler improved export quality and marketability, diverting more production abroad. In 2021, high costs of planting materials and other production inputs constrained domestic supply, while investments in farming and product innovation began but faced economic headwinds.

Production rebounded strongly from 2022, with market volume reaching 595 tons that year and 762 tons in 2023. Farmers adopted automation technologies, resilient varieties such as Pajaro and Selva, and enhanced pest management training, which lifted yields. Health trends and urban growth continued to drive consumption, and farmers improved market access by linking with supermarkets and processors.

Production strawberries in Kenya

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of strawberries, 2017-2020

World map of production of strawberries, 2017-2020

In 2020, Kenya produced 500 tonnes of strawberries, marking a slight decline of 0.9% compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production increased by 13.8%, with an average annual growth rate of 4.4%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2018 at 410 tonnes, while the highest was in 2019 at 504 tonnes. The largest decline occurred in 2018, with a drop of 6.7%, and the largest increase was in 2019, with a rise of 23.0%.

Annual dynamics of production in Kenya in kind, 2017-2020, t

Exports strawberries from Kenya

Exports in kind, t

The market showed an unstable trend throughout the observed period. The difference between the maximum in 2017 and the minimum in 2019 was 13 455-fold. In 2020, Kenya exported 10.2 tonnes of strawberries, representing a sharp increase of 84 700.0% compared to the previous year. The minimum value was recorded in 2019 at 0.0 tonnes, and the largest decline occurred in 2018, with a drop of 99.7%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Kenya in kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, the United Kingdom remained the main destination for strawberries from Kenya, accounting for 76.9% of total exports in volume, while the remaining volume was distributed among other countries.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Kenya in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, K $ US

The market exhibited volatility over the observed period. The span from 2017 to 2019 showed a peak-to-trough amplitude of 6 105 times. In 2020, Kenya's strawberry export value amounted to 60.1 thousand US dollars, up by 42 295.9% from the previous year. The minimum value was recorded in 2019 at 0.1 thousand US dollars, and the largest decline occurred in 2018, with a drop of 99.6%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Kenya in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Throughout 2017 to 2020, the United Kingdom clearly dominated Kenya's strawberry exports in value terms, taking 76.6% of total flows, while other countries each held significantly smaller shares.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Kenya in value, 2017-2020

Imports strawberries to Kenya

Imports in kind, t

Kenya's strawberry imports declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, Kenya imported 3.0 tonnes of strawberries, showing a contraction of 30.0% compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports decreased by 75.2%, with an average annual decline of 37.1%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Kenya in kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, Egypt and South Africa were the dominant sources for strawberry imports to Kenya, jointly accounting for 87.8% of total volume, while the remaining volume was split among smaller markets.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Kenya in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, K $ US

After a two-year contraction, Kenya's imported strawberry volumes increased. In 2020, Kenya imported a total of 9.0 thousand US dollars worth of strawberries, marking a rise of 50.9% over the past year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports decreased by 62%, equating to an annualized rate of 27.6%. The minimum value was recorded in 2019 at 6.0 thousand US dollars, and the largest decline occurred in 2019, with a drop of 54.4%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Kenya in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Throughout 2017 to 2020, Egypt and South Africa remained the primary suppliers of strawberries to Kenya, with a combined share of 87.4% of total imports in value terms, and other countries forming the remainder.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Kenya in value, 2017-2020