Logistic company Mitchell Cotts Group has constructed the first vacuum cooling service at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) to enhance Kenya’s export of fresh produces.
With the system, exporters will be able to reduce spoilage and contamination risks, maintaining the quality and longer shelf life of such produce as flowers, herbs, and vegetables.
The cooling plant, which has been established in partnership with Perishable Movements Kenya Ltd (PMKL) and Fresh Handling Kenya Ltd, will assist the country’s exporters to meet the stringent quality requirements of international markets.
“The service is expected to improve the efficiency and reliability of fresh produce exports from Kenya to international markets… Overall, with the installation of the vacuum cooler at our cargo terminal, we are confident it will help horticulture farmers maximize their profits,” said Daniel Tanui, Managing Director of Mitchell Cotts Group.
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The equipment can cool up to 2,000 kilograms of fresh produce per hour, offering a big boost to the Kenyan horticulture players who are racing to meet the growing demand for fresh produce exports in Asia, Europe, and the Middle East.
According to the Agriculture and Food Authority (AFA), the horticulture industry hit Sh1.7 billion in export earnings to China in three months to October 2022.