The Yirgalem Integrated Agro Industrial Park has generated more than USD 2.2 million in revenue over the past 11 months from exporting crude avocado oil to international markets, according to the Sidama Regional Industrial Parks Development Corporation.

Hailu Tera, the CEO of the corporation, explained that over 12,000 tons of raw avocados were supplied to four processing factories within the park, resulting in the production of 389.28 tons of finished avocado oil. Of this, 320 tons were exported, bringing in over USD 2.29 million in foreign exchange.

Beyond avocado oil, the corporation manages cluster centers that produce proxy products to substitute imports and save foreign currency. In the past 11 months alone, these centers have sold more than 576.8 tons of dairy, honey, and coffee products to the domestic market, earning Birr 29 million in revenue. Hailu noted that, on average, the centers saved over USD 9 million in foreign exchange each year.

Over the last four years, the corporation has generated USD 19.8 million from avocado oil and USD 14.2 million from other proxy products. The park currently hosts eight projects processing avocado, milk, honey, coffee, and juice, creating production linkages with 136,400 farmers and providing jobs for around 25,000 people.

Source (including image): Fana BC