Kenya, in the form of the Vegpro group, attended Fruit Logistica for the first time.

To improve their competitiveness six companies have set up their central packing and dispatch hall in the grounds of Jomo Kenyatta Airport near Nairobi.

The beans, carrots, roses and babycorn that are intended for export are packed and flown by night directly to the European market, up to 40 tonnes per day if need be. “In this way the refrigerated chain is never interrupted”, said general manager Rolf Schmidt from R Schmidt Import-Export GmbH.

The fields and greenhouses are on the shores of the Lake Naivasha, about one hour from Nairobi. Every effort is made to protect the environment and the eco-system of the lake. The group observes an ecological code of behaviour which all the companies must comply with.