The 43rd edition of the international fruit and vegetable supply chain exhibition has been underway since 21st April in Rimini, Italy, bringing together over 1,400 exhibitors and more than 800 top global buyers across the fresh produce value chain. The high-impact, three-day event serves as a premier global platform connecting producers, technology providers, and international buyers to drive innovation, partnerships, and business opportunities from field to table.
Kenya, through the Agriculture and Food Authority (AFA), facilitated the participation of over 12 local exhibitors, providing them with an opportunity to showcase the country’s diverse and high-quality horticultural products on the global stage. The Kenyan delegation was led by AFA Board Chairman Hon. Cornelly Serem and Horticulture Crops Directorate Director Ms. Christine Chesaro.
The exhibition offered a strategic platform for Kenyan exhibitors to engage directly with international buyers, explore emerging market trends, and forge valuable business linkages within the global fresh produce supply chain. Participation in such global forums continues to position Kenya as a competitive and reliable supplier of horticultural produce.
Kenya’s growing presence in international markets is reflected in its expanding export performance to Italy. Horticultural exports increased from KES 2.1 billion (13.8 million Euros) in 2023 to KES 3.1 billion (20.5 million Euros) in 2025. This growth has been largely driven by a significant rise in fruit exports, which surged from KES 127.7 million (0.8 million Euros) to KES 1.9 billion (12.8 million Euros) over the same period, marking a 56% year-on-year growth in 2025 compared to 2024.
AFA’s facilitation of stakeholder participation underscores its commitment to expanding market access, promoting value addition, and strengthening Kenya’s position in the global horticulture trade. Through such engagements, the Authority continues to support farmers and exporters in unlocking new opportunities and enhancing the competitiveness of Kenya’s agricultural value chains.
