KENYA – In collaboration with Perishable Movements Kenya Limited (PMKL) and Fresh Handling Kenya Limited, a Kenyan logistics business by the name of Mitchell Cotts Group has launched the country’s first vacuum cooling service at a facility on the landside of an air cargo port in JKIA, Nairobi.

The already installed machinery is anticipated to help Kenya’s exporters of fresh herbs and vegetables increase the shelf life of fresh produce and satisfy the exacting quality standards of international markets.

The vacuum cooling service is also expected to raise Kenya’s export revenues and make its exports more competitive in the global fresh produce market.

“We have invested heavily in the development of the service and are confident that it will help to increase the quality of fresh produce exports from Kenya,” said Silas Kashindi, CEO of Perishable Movements Kenya Limited.

Depending on the type of farm product, post-harvest losses in Kenya might range from 10 to 50 percent. Therefore, the vacuum cooling service is fantastic news for the horticultural industry.

“Overall, with the installation of the vacuum cooler at our cargo terminal, we are confident it will help horticulture farmers maximize their profits.

“The service is expected to improve the efficiency and reliability of fresh produce exports from Kenya to international markets and will be available to customers who book their cargo through either of our partners,” said Daniel Tanui, Managing Director of Mitchell Cotts Group.

Vacuum cooling is a quick and effective approach to quickly and evenly lower the product’s temperature, helping to preserve its quality and freshness.

Utilizing the service will decrease deterioration and increase the product’s shelf life, making it perfect for export.

Furthermore, it will lessen the risk of contamination, which is crucial when transporting perishable items.

The equipment, which has a cooling capacity of up to 2,000 kg of fresh produce per hour, will likely assist Kenyan horticultural exporters in supplying the rising demand for fresh produce exports to Europe, the Middle East, and Asia.

“The vacuum cooler is an innovative cooling solution that rapidly cools freshly harvested produce, preserving its freshness. It will also help reduce waste, keeping produce fresher for longer,” said Esther Kabugi, Head of Operations at Fresh Handling Limited.

Over 1.2 million Kenyans are employed in the horticulture sector, one of the major contributors to the country’s economy.

The sector has been fueled by rising international demand for Kenyan produce as well as the development of cutting-edge technologies like vacuum cooling and better production and post-harvest management practices, which guarantee that the products arrive in perfect condition, increasing demand and boosting exports.

Mitchell Cotts Freight Kenya Limited is one of the most recognized and respected names in the Shipping, freight forwarding, warehousing, and transport business.

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