New Kenyan vacuum cooling service to improve vegetable and herb exports
Kenya has launched a new vacuum cooling service at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) to enhance the quality and shelf life of exported vegetables, herbs, and flowers.
This service, introduced by the Mitchell Cotts Group in partnership with Perishable Movements Kenya Limited and Fresh Handling Kenya Limited, is designed to rapidly cool produce before shipment, preserving freshness and meeting stringent international standards.
The new facility can cool up to 2,000 kilograms of produce per hour, providing an efficient solution to post-harvest losses, which range from 10% to 50% in Kenya. Vacuum cooling ensures that freshly harvested produce is cooled evenly and quickly, reducing spoilage and maintaining quality during long-distance transportation to markets in Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. This service is expected to boost Kenya's export earnings and strengthen its competitiveness in the global fresh produce market.
