Rwandafresh is a national export brand created under the stewardship of the National Agricultural Export Development Board (NAEB) of Rwanda. Positioned as a symbol of quality, freshness, and traceability, Rwandafresh is the flagship identity used to promote premium Rwandan agricultural and livestock products across global markets. The initiative plays a vital role in supporting smallholder farmers, aggregators, and exporters while enhancing Rwanda’s reputation as a reliable source of high-quality, sustainably grown produce and animal products.
Brand Background
Launched to unify and elevate the international image of Rwandan exports, Rwandafresh is managed by NAEB, a government agency responsible for the promotion and regulation of agricultural exports. The brand was developed to improve Rwanda's visibility in global agricultural trade, offering a centralized platform for exporters of fruits, vegetables, flowers, dairy, and meat.
The initiative aligns with Rwanda’s national strategy to increase agro-export earnings, improve farmer incomes, and ensure the application of international standards in agricultural value chains.
Core Offerings
Rwandafresh represents a diverse portfolio of high-value agricultural products cultivated and processed across Rwanda’s fertile landscapes:
Fruits:
- Avocados (including Hass variety)
- Passion Fruits
- Pineapples
- Mangoes
- Apple Bananas
- Tree Tomatoes
Vegetables:
- French Beans
- Chili Peppers
- Eggplants
- Mini Leeks
- Baby Corn
- Baby Carrots
Flowers:
Animal Products:
- Beef, Goat, Pork, and Mutton
- Poultry Meat
- Milk and Eggs
- Raw and Processed Honey
All Rwandafresh products adhere to strict post-harvest handling protocols and quality management systems. Packaging is export-ready, and logistics are coordinated through certified cold chain operators.
Specialization and Unique Value Proposition (USP)
Rwandafresh is uniquely positioned due to:
- Strict quality control standards supported by NAEB’s compliance monitoring
- Aggregation model involving cooperatives and smallholder farmers
- Eco-friendly and low-carbon agricultural practices
- Strategic logistics linkages with air cargo partners for fresh produce exports
- Full traceability enabled by digital registration of export supply chains
The brand’s centralized quality assurance system guarantees consistency in grading, freshness, and phytosanitary compliance.
Export and Market Insights
According to NAEB's annual performance reports:
- Total Horticulture Exports Revenue (2023): Over USD 36 million
- Top Destinations: United Kingdom, Netherlands, Belgium, France, UAE, Qatar
- Flowers Exports: Over 12 million stems exported in 2023
- Avocado Exports: Exceeded 7,000 metric tons, with increasing demand in EU markets
These numbers underscore Rwandafresh's growing prominence in international fresh produce trade.
Target Market
Rwandafresh targets a wide range of global buyers:
- Retailers and supermarkets seeking fresh and ethically sourced produce
- Importers and wholesalers in Europe, Middle East, and Asia
- Food processors and agri-industrial firms
- Specialty food and organic distributors
The brand is particularly attractive to conscious consumers, organic buyers, and fair-trade supporters.
Capabilities and Infrastructure
Through its alignment with NAEB and various public-private partnerships, Rwandafresh benefits from:
- Post-harvest handling centers (PHHCs) and cold chain facilities
- Packaging and value addition hubs across agricultural zones
- Integrated logistics corridors linked to Kigali International Airport
- Export readiness programs for farmer cooperatives and SMEs
- Agro-export certification labs for SPS and phytosanitary compliance
These infrastructure systems enable exporters under the Rwandafresh brand to deliver high-quality, traceable products to international clients.
Certifications and Compliance
Products under the Rwandafresh brand comply with:
- GlobalG.A.P.
- Organic Certification (EU and USDA)
- Phytosanitary Certification from NAEB
- Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP)
- Halal Certification (for animal products)
Rwanda’s regulatory environment ensures continuous training and auditing for all exporters operating under the Rwandafresh framework.
Farmer Support and Ethical Sourcing
One of the brand’s strongest aspects is its role in supporting smallholder farmers. Key initiatives include:
- Training in good agricultural practices (GAP)
- Access to inputs and export-grade seedlings
- Women and youth-focused agricultural cooperatives
- Price transparency and contract farming models
These programs help ensure inclusive growth and socio-economic impact across Rwanda’s rural economy.
Recognition and Strategic Partnerships
Rwandafresh has been featured in multiple international food expos including:
- Fruit Logistica (Germany)
- Macfrut (Italy)
- Gulfood (Dubai)
The brand also works closely with the Rwanda Development Board (RDB), TradeMark Africa, and ITC (International Trade Centre) to strengthen market access.
Digital and Marketing Presence
Rwandafresh is promoted through the official NAEB platform (https://www.naeb.gov.rw/rwanda-fresh), which features:
- Product information and exporter contacts
- Export procedures and documentation guidance
- News on trade missions and global fairs
While social media presence is limited, the brand leverages government trade missions and embassies to promote awareness in strategic markets.
Rwandafresh stands as a testament to Rwanda’s commitment to high-quality, sustainable agriculture. By championing export-ready, farmer-driven products across multiple categories, the brand is shaping Rwanda’s future as a reliable player in global agri-exports.