Carbon-neutral processing of avocados and avocado oil

Olivado EPZ (‘OEPZ’) is a Kenyan fresh avocado trader and a leading producer of organic extra virgin avocado oil. It operates an integrated farmer-to-market model sourcing the avocados directly from over 2,800 smallholder farmers and installed a biogas plant in 2019 to produce biogas and fertilizer from the avocado waste generated through the oil processing. Ensuring complete traceability from farm to bottle, Olivado has a rigorous farm-to-market system that reliably traces the quality and origin of avocado on the farm level. A dedicated team of field officers regularly visits the farms and supports the farmers during cultivation. To exploit unmet market demand for avocados and avocado oil, the company is expanding its carbon-neutral business model to Tanzania. The Tanzanian oil extraction plant, Olivado Tanzania EPZ Limited, commenced operations in 2020. 

The loan will allow Olivado to further grow its farmer-to-market model based on a Fairtrade and Organic certification scheme and pay smallholders in advance. Through this strengthened relationship with the CFC, Olivado expects to include up to 5,000 smallholder farmers in its inclusive small farmer program in Kenya and Tanzania, enjoying premium prices and a secure income. Olivado will be one of the few, if not the only, carbon-positive Agri-processor in Kenya.

SDGs