MESPT supports Kenyan agri-SMEs to explore global market opportunities at Macfrut 2026

MESPT, through the Green Employment in Agriculture Programme (GEAP), supported seven Kenyan agri-SMEs to participate in Macfrut 2026, one of the world’s leading international trade fairs for the fruit and vegetable sector held in Rimini, Italy. The exhibition brought together global buyers, exporters, innovators, processors, and technology providers across the fresh produce value chain, creating a strategic platform for business growth, market access, and international collaboration.

The participating enterprises Goshen Farm Exporters Ltd, Keitt Exporters Ltd, Vert Ltd, Fruityard Limited, Vital Fresh Ltd, Iviani Farm, and Fawakim showcased Kenyan fresh and processed produce while engaging directly with buyers and partners from Europe, the Middle East, and other international markets. Through structured business-to-business meetings, networking forums, and exhibition engagements, the SMEs explored opportunities in fresh fruit exports, dried fruit products, avocado oil, value addition, and processing technologies.

The exhibition delivered significant commercial and strategic outcomes for the enterprises. Fruityard Limited secured fresh avocado export contracts worth EUR 3.2 million for the 2026 season alongside avocado oil agreements valued at USD 2.86 million, marking a major milestone in the company’s growth journey. Vital Fresh Ltd secured two confirmed buyers for avocado, mango, and fine beans exports, while Keitt Exporters Ltd established engagement with buyers from Europe and Saudi Arabia interested in Kenyan horticultural products.

For other SMEs, Macfrut provided valuable market intelligence and long- term business positionin opportunities. Goshen Farm Exporters Ltd gained insights into European certification requirements, processing technologies, and emerging consumer trends in healthy and sustainably sourced foods. Vert Ltd and Iviani Farm established strategic connections with international fruit importers, processors, and technology companies while exploring opportunities for both fresh and processed mango products in European markets.

Beyond commercial opportunities, the exhibition exposed participating SMEs to global trends shaping the future of agriculture and food systems including climate-smart agriculture, post-harvest technologies, digital farming, sustainable packaging, traceability, and value addition. The engagements reinforced the growing global demand for high-quality, traceable, and sustainably produced agricultural products while highlighting the importance of innovation and export readiness in enhancing competitiveness.

Macfrut 2026 also demonstrated the critical role international trade fairs play in strengthening Kenya’s agri-food sector. By connecting local enterprises to global markets, technologies, and partnerships, MESPT continues to support SMEs in scaling their businesses, creating jobs, increasing exports, and driving sustainable agricultural transformation.

Through GEAP, MESPT remains committed to strengthening enterprise competitiveness,facilitating market access, and promoting inclusive growth within Kenya’s agricultural value chains because when local enterprises. access global opportunities, the impact extends far beyond business to transforming livelihoods and communities.