Are you looking for a reliable fresh herbs exporter from Kenya? Frutplanet is a leading supplier of fresh herbs. Request a quote for competitive rates.
Fresh herbs farming in Kenya is flourishing and consequently gaining attention in the global markets. Similarly, there has been an increase in fresh herbs exporters from Kenya. One of the leading exporters in Kenya is FrutPlanet.
We have been helping business owners order herbs in bulk and deliver them to the international markets. You can order fresh herbs from Kenya by requesting a quote here.
This article will cover the top seven fresh herbs in Kenya and how you can order from FrutPlanet, a fresh herbs exporter from Kenya.
Top 7 Fresh Herbs In Kenya
Kenya’s economy is agricultural-driven, and a leading fresh herbs exporter. Some of the most popularly grown products in Kenya include:
No. 1: Basil
Basil is a herb of the mint family used to flavour meals. The herb offers numerous nutrients and health benefits, including eliminating oxidative stress. Basil has recently gained popularity because of increasing local and international demand.
Some commonly grown basil varieties in Kenya include Genovese(sweet), lemon, Thai, and purple basil. Each variety has unique characteristics that propel its demand, but the main influencers are aroma and taste. Basil growing zones in Kenya include the Coast, Eastern Rift Valley, and some parts of central and western Kenya. Frutpanet is the number one fresh basil exporter in the region.
Most of the Basil grown in Kenya is exported to countries such as the Netherlands, Denmark, Germany, and France. Kenya consumes only 10% of the total basil it produces annually. The restaurants or Kenyan cuisine industry is not vast enough to match production.
No. 2: Chillies
Commercial chilli farming in Kenya is increasingly becoming a hot grab for farmers. Chillies are grown as an add-on to soups, stews, and cuisines. The Kenyan climatic condition is tropical; therefore, it is ideal and warm for chilli production. Some regions where chilli thrives in Kenya include Machakos, Makueni, Kirinyaga, Laikipia, Meru, Embu, Thika, and more. Frutplanet is a leading exporter of fresh chillies in the region with customers from Europe, Asia, and the Middle East.
Some chilli varieties supplied by Frutplanet include Cayenne Pepper, African Birds Eye, Jalapeno, Piri Piri, Serenade, Habanero, and more. Kenya’s majority export market before 2019 was the European Union. However, most farmers shifted to the Middle East Markets in early 2021 to balance production costs and maximise returns. Today, Kenya exports annual chillies production over 50% of its to Saudi Arabia, UAE, and some parts of Asia, including China.
No. 3: Chives
Chives is a perennial herb scientifically known as Allium Schoenoprasum. Its rise to fame in Kenya can be attributed to culinary and medicinal attributes. In addition, there has been demand for the herb in local and international markets.
Chives perform optimally in cooler climates and higher altitudes. Some regions in Kenya where chives are grown in bulk include the Central, Western, and Rift Valley highlands. Nakuru, Nyandarua, and Nyeri are some of the largest chives-producing counties in Kenya. These regions have moderate temperatures, ranging between 15 – 20 degrees Celsius.
Some of the most popular chives varieties in Kenya include Allium Schoenoprasum(common chives), Allium Tuberosum (garlic chives), Allium Nutans (Siberian Chives), and Allium Ledebourianum (Giant Siberian chives). Most of the chives exports in Kenya are destined for the European Union, especially the Netherlands, Denmark, and more.
No. 4: Rosemary
Rosmarinus Officinalis, or Rosemary, is an evergreen herb of the mint family. The herb has an intense aroma and is highly packed with nutrients. Rosemary has a long history of medicinal and flavouring use in food and beverages. In Kenya, rosemary farming is a growing venture, especially in areas with well-drained soil and more than enough rainfall.
These regions include central Kenya in Murangá, Nyeri, Kiambu, and Machakos. The average pH levels in these areas range between 6.0 – 6.5, and temperatures can go as low as 5 degrees Celsius. Some rosemary varieties that perform well in these regions include Tuscan Blue, Arp, Salem, and Barbeque. The differentiating factors between these varieties are mainly the colour.
No. 5: Coriander
Coriander, commonly called dhania, is widely cultivated for its well-testing aromatic leaves. The crop thrives in Kenya due to the growing local demand, although we still export to international markets. Coriander farming in Kenya performs well because of fertile land and conducive weather.
The conducive weather condition for dhania farming is in regions such as Rift Valley, Eastern, and Central regions. These regions have an average of 6.0 to 7.5 pH, which is Ideal for coriander farming. Some popular coriander varieties in Kenya include Indian coriander, European coriander, Moroccan, Russian, Vietnamese, and Chinese Coriander.
Besides local consumption, we export coriander to international markets in the United States, Europe, and Asia. Kenyan-grown coriander has found much love in the international markets because they are grown organically, and the pricing is overly affordable.
No. 6: Thyme
Thymus vulgaris, Thyme demand is growing as most people appreciate the plant’s flavour, pleasing aroma, and rich in antioxidants. They thrive in good organic soil, with a pH of 6.0 – 7.5 and plenty of sunlight. The plant also demands adequate rainfall, yet the soil must be well drained.
Kenya’s most popular thyme varieties include English, Lemon, Caraway, woolly, and French. The preferred variety for any farmer varies depending on growing conditions and the market target. The French thyme is grown with the target to the French market, whereas the English thyme targets the European market.
Most of the thyme-growing farmers in Kenya come from Central highlands in Kiambu and Murangá, Rift Valley, especially in Nakuru and Eldoret, Eastern, and Western regions.
No. 7: Tarragon
Tarragon is a perennial herb from the sunflower family with slender stems. Kenya has an increasing demand for medicinal and flavouring foods. Consequently, most farmers in the loamy volcanic soils in Kenyan highlands have ventured into tarragon farming.
The two most popular varieties grown in Kenya are French and Russian tarragon. These two varieties perform well in Kiambu, Nyeri, Meru, and Nakuru counties. These regions have well-drained soil, are warm and are naturally watered.
What’s the Herbs Export Process in Kenya
FrutPlanet herb’s export process is comprehensive and involves several steps. These process factors include the government, quality control, and client-first delivery. Some of the steps in our processes include:
Step 1: Harvesting
We have numerous farms where we grow herbs, flowers, and other agricultural products. Once you request a quote or order herbs in bulk, we start identifying and harvesting mature plants.
Step 2: Sorting and Grading
Once we harvest the herbs, the next stage is sorting and grading. We classify the product depending on quality, size, texture, and other aspects. We then grade the products concerning your needs, international requirements, and more.
Step 3: Packaging
We ensure that our packing preserves freshness throughout the delivery. Most of our product packaging has a cushion inside the cartoon. Our packaging follows international standards on sustainability, including aligning with the UN SDG. At FrutPlanet, we aim to eliminate the use of polythene or plastics.
Step 4: Certification
Exporting herbs needs a lot of certifications, including permits, approvals, import certifications, and licenses. In addition, all consumable products must undergo lab tests for biological materials.
Step 5: Documentation and Delivery Logistics
Once the product has been cleared for export, we attach the relevant documentation for customs and more. In addition, the shipping process begins, and the relevant information is relayed to the other customer’s end.
How To Order Herbs In Bulk
Ordering herbs in bulk from FrutPlanet is a three-step process. We keep it as simple as possible to prioritize what matters:
- Go to our herbs product page.
- Navigate to the product page.
- Fill out the request a quote form. (Make it as detailed as possible)
- Submit the order in bulk, and our customer support agent will contact you as soon as possible.
