What are the main products?

The main Horticultural Exports include:

1. Cut flowers and ornamentals:
   This is by far the most important component constituting 70% by value of total fresh horticultural exports. Kenya exports over 60% of its cut flowers to the auction in the Netherlands while the rest are exported directly to wholesalers and retail outlets such as supermarkets and grocers as well as other retail intermediaries, mainly in Europe and the UK. Major cut flower exports from Kenya include roses, Carthamus, cuttings, cut-foliage, carnations, statice, alstroemeria, etc.
2. Vegetables:
   This is the second most important product group within the horticultural industry, which by volume contributes to about 20% of total fresh produce exports. The main product is the French (green) beans. However, the importance of other vegetables for export such as sugar snaps, snow peas, and runner beans has increased. Other vegetables for export include Asian vegetables such as Okra, Karela, dudhi, chili, and aubergine.

• Fresh Fruits:
  This is the third category of fresh horticultural exports from Kenya. Fruit exports have been growing slowly but steadily. Major fruit export products include avocadoes, mangoes, pineapples, passion fruits, and strawberries.

1. Processed horticultural Products:
   Exports of value-added horticultural exports have been on the increase. This is as a result of increasing demand for natural foods as health consciousness increases among the consumers both in Kenya and the region. The main products under this category include canned pineapples, juices of mangoes, passion fruits and pineapples, canned vegetables, pickles, pastes, jams, jellies, marmalade, and preserves. The export destination for the processed horticultural products is the regional market and the EU for pineapples and passion fruits. Great opportunities exist in canning, freezing and drying (sun), and/or roasting. Another area in value addition that has seen significant growth is the pre-packs (consumer packs) for fresh produce meant for supermarkets.
2. Herbs and Spices:
   Due to increased health awareness by consumers worldwide -, consumption of herbs and spices has increased. Kenya has been exporting herbs and spices for decades and the demand for these products is bound to increase. The types of herbs exported from Kenya include basil, chives, dill, sweet Marjaram, oregano, parsley, rosemary, thyme, sage, chamomile, tarragon, etc. On the other hand, exports of spices include garlic, ginger, coriander, chilies, paprika, turmeric, and cumin.