Guide to Importing Hass Avocado from Kenya to Saudi Arabia and the UAE

Kenya Leads the Gulf's Avocado Suppliers

In 2020, Kenya was the largest supplier of avocado to the UAE, accounting for roughly half of the country's total avocado imports. That same year, Kenya led the Saudi import market with a similar majority share. This lead is no accident. It follows from relative geographic proximity across the Indian Ocean, a long production season, and fruit quality that suits the Gulf consumer's taste.

The market keeps expanding. The UAE imported around 22,000 tonnes of avocado in 2023, while Saudi Arabia imported roughly 9,000 tonnes. Trade reporting indicates that demand in the UAE has outstripped supply in recent years, which opens the door for wholesale importers who secure a stable, direct source rather than relying on intermediaries.

Hass, Fuerte, and the Timing of the Season

Each variety has its role in the market. Hass has a thick skin that turns dark as it ripens, and a longer shelf life that withstands long sea freight, which makes it the most sought-after variety in the export trade. Fuerte has a smooth green skin and a milder taste, and it suits markets that prefer larger fruit.

At Nawa Fresh we supply both varieties from Kenya's Central Highlands, where the altitude and temperate climate give the fruit a suitable dry-matter content and a balanced flavor. Kenyan Hass avocado is available year-round, with a peak season running from April through September. Outside the peak window supply continues at lighter volume rather than stopping, which lets you schedule shipments around your own sales cycle all year.

The Trade Specifications to Lock into the Contract

A successful deal starts with precise specifications. Always request the grade, the dry-matter percentage that reflects the fruit's ripeness and readiness, and the count size inside the carton. The common export standard is a four-kilogram carton.

Also fix the Harmonized System code for avocado, which is 0804.40, to avoid any customs ambiguity, and specify the port of loading, which is Mombasa in our case. Our policy is to publish these technical details openly for every product rather than hiding them behind a contact form, because a professional importer needs to compare and calculate before asking.

Logistics and Ports of Entry

Avocado is a commodity sensitive to the cold chain, so we ship it in full-load reefer containers of the 1x40ft type dedicated to fresh produce, with temperature and ventilation controlled throughout the voyage to preserve the firmness of the fruit until arrival.

For sea freight, avocado enters the UAE through Jebel Ali Port, which is equipped with container-handling facilities. In Saudi Arabia, shipments are distributed across Jeddah Islamic Port, King Abdullah Port, and King Abdulaziz Port, all of which include container terminals. If speed is the priority, air freight is available through Dubai International Airport and Al Maktoum International Airport in the UAE, and through King Khalid and King Abdulaziz International Airports in Saudi Arabia, all of which have cold-storage facilities.

Delivery and Payment Terms

We let you choose the delivery basis that matches your logistical experience. If you manage the freight and insurance yourself, a sale on an FOB basis from Mombasa is the most suitable. If you prefer that we cover the freight charges to the port of arrival, choose CFR. CIF adds insurance cover on the shipment to your destination.

On the payment side, we work with two clear arrangements. The first is a bank transfer of 30 percent in advance and 70 percent once the shipping conditions are met. The second is an irrevocable letter of credit payable at sight.

How We Work at Nawa Fresh

We deal with wholesale importers at full-container volume, which makes the per-unit cost more competitive and simplifies customs clearance. Our products meet internationally recognized standards, and we document the full specifications of every shipment before loading.

We believe a lasting commercial relationship is built on candid information, not on general promises. That is why the grading, packaging, HS codes, minimum order quantity, and seasonality of each variety are published right in front of you. Reach out to us on WhatsApp or send a request for quotation specifying the variety, the quantity, and the delivery basis, and we will come back to you with a precise offer.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the minimum order quantity for avocado?+

We ship by the full reefer container of the 1x40ft type, which is the optimal unit for fresh avocado in terms of cooling efficiency and freight cost per carton. This volume suits wholesale importers and distributors who serve a regular sales network.

When is Kenyan Hass avocado available?+

Kenyan Hass avocado is available year-round, with a peak season running from April through September. Supply continues at lighter volume outside that window. We confirm dry-matter readiness before fixing shipping dates at the start of peak season.

Can we ship by air instead of by sea?+

Yes. Air freight is suitable when speed matters more than cost, such as covering a sudden shortage in the market. Avocado enters by air through Dubai International Airport and Al Maktoum Airport in the UAE, and through King Khalid and King Abdulaziz Airports in Saudi Arabia. That said, the sea container remains the economical choice for large quantities.

What payment terms do you accept?+

We work with a bank transfer of 30 percent in advance and 70 percent once the shipping conditions are met, or an irrevocable letter of credit payable at sight.