Kenya macadamia nuts

Kenya is one of the world’s leading producers of macadamia nuts, with strong demand from Dutch and European markets. Buyers are looking for high-quality, traceable, and sustainably produced nuts. Many of Kenya’s smallholder farmers are well-positioned to benefit from this opportunity. By boosting productivity and strengthening supply chain links, farmers could steadily expand their capacity to meet international market requirements.

CBI’s Kenya edible nuts programme (2021–2026) contributes to stronger and more reliable supply chains for Dutch and European buyers, while improving farmer incomes and product quality. We support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to improve quality, strengthen supply chains, and meet international market requirements.

Are you an importer, SME, or sector organisation? Get in touch and become a partner in this growing sector.

Project purpose 

Kenya is one of the leading producers of macadamia nuts in the world. The sector has strong export potential, especially in Europe where demand for high-quality and sustainably sourced nuts continues to grow.

The Kenya macadamia nuts sector faces challenges. Many smallholder farmers could increase their incomes through macadamia production by boosting productivity and expanding their access to good agricultural practices and market information. Farmers have a good opportunity to strengthen their position in the sector.

But there are also challenges in the supply chain. Limited traceability and challenging cooperation between farmers, aggregators, and processors affect product quality and consistency. This can make sourcing more difficult for international buyers.

To meet Dutch and European market requirements, Kenyan companies must improve quality, traceability, and sustainability. Stronger collaboration across the value chain is needed to create reliable and transparent supply chains.

The project’s goals are to:

• Strengthen exporting SMEs in the macadamia sector
• Improve relationships between farmers, aggregators, and processors
• Increase traceability and product quality
• Promote more sustainable and responsible production
• Improve incomes and working conditions for smallholder farmers
• Strengthen sector coordination and cooperation

This project improves the whole value chain, from farmer to export market. It will contribute to create better sourcing conditions for international buyers, while promoting national development.

Become a partner

CBI seeks motivated partners who want to support a more sustainable and competitive edible nuts sector in Kenya.

We are interested in partners who:

• Are active in the macadamia or edible nuts sector
• Have experience with export markets, especially in the Netherlands or Europe
• Are interested in long-term sourcing partnerships

Partners should be proactive, flexible, and committed to the project activities. A good level of English is important, as all training programmes and communication will be in English.

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What does a partnership with CBI look like? 

CBI does not provide funding. We support partners by partnering on practical solutions. In this project, support will include connecting Dutch and European buyers with trusted suppliers in Kenya.

For SMEs, we work together to improve access to international markets and strengthen their competitive position.

Joining the project is free. We ask partners to cover their own travel and related costs.

Partners

We are currently in the implementation phase. Several SMEs are already working on pilot projects to improve supply chains, traceability, and cooperation with farmers.

We are always open to connecting with Dutch and European importers and buyers looking for reliable and sustainable suppliers. If you are active in the edible nuts sector and see potential for collaboration, we would love to hear from you.

Collaborate with us

Would you like to support the edible nuts sector in Kenya to become more sustainable and competitive? Would you like to source high-quality, sustainable macadamia nuts from Kenya and support a stronger, more transparent value chain?

Work with CBI on this project and support better outcomes for companies and farmers. For questions or more information, please contact Dirk-Jan Zegelaar.

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About CBI

CBI promotes sustainable production and trade between low-and middle-income countries and the Netherlands and Europe. We partner with small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and their ecosystem to strengthen their social and environmental sustainability.

CBI is part of the Netherlands Enterprise Agency and commissioned by the Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs.