AvoVeg Health sets target to transform Kenya’s agriculture sector
By Hilary KimuyuA Kenyan-American entrepreneur has embarked on an ambitious venture to revolutionise Kenya’s agricultural landscape.
Nathan Loyd, through his Nairobi-based company, AvoVeg Health, is seeking to introduce innovative agricultural practices that will add value for farmers.
AvoVeg Health is a leading processor and exporter of fresh avocados and vegetables to the European market.
With more than Sh1 billion already invested in Kenya’s agricultural sector, AvoVeg Health is in the process of introducing a state-of-the-art machinery for processing and packaging avocados.
This high-tech factory will address the critical issue of post-harvest waste, benefiting thousands of farmers across the country.
Reducing wastage
“Our new value-added venture will solve the huge challenge our farmers face due to wastage, benefiting thousands of farmers across the country,” Mr Loyd said.
Speaking on the sidelines of the US trade and investment initiative dubbed ‘Prosper Africa’ in Atlanta Georgia USA, Mr Loyd pointed out that there are boundless opportunities in trade and investment for the two countries.
He mentioned horticulture and agro-processing, value addition and food security as some of the areas which present great opportunities.
The US trade and investment initiative was facilitated by President William Ruto and US Ambassador to Kenya Meg Whitman.
According to Mr Loyd, AvoVeg Health intends to invest an initial $20 million in the value-added project – the first of its kind in East and Central Africa – by the third quarter of 2024.
Benefit farmers
AvoVeg Health has already invested more than $10 million in its fresh produce line.
The project involves deploying a state-of-the-art guacamole processing machine in Kenya.
“This groundbreaking technology will benefit thousands of farmers in Kenya by reducing avocado wastage and greatly boasting the local economy,” Mr Loyd said.
He said this will mark a significant step towards achieving sustainable agricultural development.
At the same time, Mr Loyd acknowledged the importance of government support in realising this ambitious project.
Mr Loyd’s boasts of extensive entrepreneurial experience, spanning more than three decades in various sectors, including minerals, real estate and agriculture.