Mr. Nathan Loyd_ Redefining Agribusiness Through Innovation and Sustainability.pdf

Mr. Nathan Loyd stands out as one such transformative leader. As the CEO and Chairman of Avoveg Health Kenya Ltd, he has dedicated over three decades to advancing Kenya’s horticultural export industry.

1. Mr. Nathan Loyd: Redefining Agribusiness
Through Innovation and Sustainability

In today’s increasingly interconnected world, visionary leadership in agribusiness
has become vital to both local communities and global markets. Leaders who
blend innovation, sustainable practices, and a deep commitment to empowering
stakeholders play a transformative role in shaping industries and fostering
inclusive growth. Such leadership goes beyond mere business success—it
champions ethical standards, nurtures collaboration, and creates enduring value
that impacts people, economies, and the environment. Mr. Nathan Loyd stands out as one such transformative leader. As the CEO and
Chairman of Avoveg Health Kenya Ltd, he has dedicated over three decades to
advancing Kenya’s horticultural export industry, establishing the company as one
of the nation’s top avocado exporters to Europe and the Middle East. Under his

2. stewardship, Avoveg Health has grown through innovative approaches, strict
quality controls, and a focus on farmer empowerment and sustainable supply
chains. Nathan’s visionary leadership not only propels business growth but also
fosters ethical trade practices and social impact, positioning him as a key figure
driving Kenya’s agri-export sector on the global stage.
Fighting Food Waste with Innovation and Value Addition
Nathan Loyd believes that the solution to a problem often lies within the problem
itself. This perspective became evident when he observed the challenges facing
Kenya, particularly the large amounts of food wasted due to spoilage. While
Avoveg’s head office is located in the USA, the processing plant for its beverages
remains in Kenya. Recognizing the issue of food waste, Nathan, as an
entrepreneur, identified an opportunity to develop a solution. For 2025, one of
the company’s key initiatives is value addition, with plans to introduce both
avocado oil and guacamole into the US market.

3. At Avoveg, there is a strong belief in the saying, “we are what we eat.” Kenya’s
advantage lies in its organic and healthy food, especially its avocados. What
people consume directly affects their health and well-being, demonstrating the
important link between agriculture and healthcare. Observing a lack of dynamic
entrepreneurs focused on value addition in Kenya, Avoveg is taking the lead as
the first company from Kenya—and Africa—to import high-quality guacamole
and avocado oil into the USA, starting in Q1 2026. Premium Kenyan Produce with a Global Vision
Avoveg Health Kenya Ltd is a leading exporter and processor of fresh fruits and
vegetables, specializing in high-quality, organic produce sourced from various
regions across Kenya. The company prides itself on strict adherence to
international standards of food safety, traceability, and sustainability, ensuring
that every product—from fresh avocados to a wide range of vegetables—is
cultivated, packed, and shipped with transparency and care. With a deep

4. commitment to ethical farming and environmental responsibility, Avoveg
delivers farm-to-table freshness while maintaining strong ties with local
communities and global markets.
Operating with a global vision, Avoveg has successfully expanded its footprint
beyond Kenya, establishing its head office and processing facilities that bridge
African agricultural excellence with international demand. The company’s
U.S.-based arm, AvoVeg LLC in Michigan, leads efforts to introduce premium
avocado products—such as cold-pressed oils and freshly frozen guacamole made
with advanced High Pressure Processing technology—to the North American
market starting in 2026. Driven by a passionate team and visionary leadership,
Avoveg continues to grow as a trusted brand dedicated to delivering health,
quality, and sustainability to consumers worldwide.
The processing plant for Fresh Avocados & Guacamole Processing in bulk &
Avocado Oil in bulk will be done at ‘AvoVeg Health’ Kenya. This is the first step
on the value addition that will take place in Kenya at ‘AvoVeg’. Meanwhile, the
final packaging of the Guacamole and Avocado oil bottling will take place at the
new coming soon plant in Michigan.
Avoveg Health Kenya Ltd – Produce at a Glance
Fruits:
●​Hass avocado, mango, passion fruit
●​Fairtrade-certified Kenyan farms
●​Processed in certified, state-of-the-art packhouses
●​Exported by air and sea with controlled atmosphere packaging
Vegetables:
●​Sourced from GLOBAL G.A.P farms across diverse Kenyan climates
●​Includes French beans, sugar snaps, snow peas

5. ●​Strict hygiene and cold chain management
●​Daily fresh supply to local and export markets
Produce & Quality:
●​Over 20 crop varieties grown and packed on company-owned farms
●​Fully organic, packed in sustainable materials
●​Committed to HACCP and BRC standards
●​Advanced cold chain systems and Modified Atmosphere Packing
technology

The Role of Food in Preventive Healthcare
Nathan Loyd emphasizes that “food plays a crucial role in preventive healthcare
because, as the saying goes, ‘we are what we eat.’” He highlights avocados as an
example, noting that they are cholesterol-free and can help reduce cholesterol

6. levels, thereby contributing to better overall health. Avocado is regarded as a
major superfruit with a wide range of uses, including in chocolate, milkshakes,
beauty, and cosmetics.
He stresses the importance of eating healthy, natural, and minimally processed
foods—much like the diets of our ancestors—to maintain good health. Avoveg’s
guacamole and avocado oil products are completely organic, reflecting the
company’s strong commitment to natural nutrition and its positive role in
preventive healthcare across Africa and beyond.
Overcoming Financial and Geopolitical Challenges
One of the major challenges faced in Kenya has been the lack of understanding by
banks regarding the specific dynamics of their business. As a company with both
Kenyan and American roots, Avoveg required patience and time to stabilize
operations and import essential machinery. However, many bank CEOs and
owners do not adopt an entrepreneurial mindset and tend to focus mainly on
providing loans without fully appreciating the unique challenges in the
agricultural sector. This short-term perspective often leads to business failures
within the first year. Another recent challenge in 2024 has been the geopolitical conflict in the Red
Sea, which disrupted transit routes. As a result, shipping times for fresh avocados
have increased from 20-25 days to 45 days, as shipments must be rerouted
around South Africa to reach Europe. Given that the shelf life of avocados is
approximately 45 days, this delay significantly impacts the quality of the
products.
Supporting Farmers Through Sustainable Practices
At Avoveg, sustainability is a core part of its farming, production, and
distribution processes. The company works closely with over 2,000 farmers

7. across Kenya, supported by agronomists who provide training on the best
practices for growing avocados organically and maintaining healthy trees.
Avoveg also involves farmers by inviting them to visit the processing plant, where
they learn how packing and processing are done to guarantee high-quality
avocados. A major sustainability challenge is that about 30% of Kenyan avocados
do not meet export standards due to cosmetic defects like sunburn or scars,
despite the fruit being of good quality.
This issue causes an estimated $60 million loss annually for Kenya. To tackle
this, Avoveg adds value by using this 30% of avocados in their avocado oil and
guacamole production. The company aims to reduce waste from 30% to less than
1% by maximizing the use of all avocados. This strategy allows Avoveg to make
the best use of available resources, support farmers, and uphold sustainable
practices throughout the supply chain.
Building Strong Partnerships for Global Growth
Avoveg is actively collaborating with dynamic partners and investors, which led
to the strategic establishment of its head office in the United States in 2024. The
company’s focus extends beyond capital to finding investors who have a deep
understanding of the business and share its global mission.

8. It prioritizes partnerships with those who align with its vision to build a strong
ecosystem that includes farmers, healthcare providers, and policymakers. Avoveg
leads by example, putting plans into action rather than merely discussing them.
For instance, its value-added products, such as guacamole and avocado oil, are
scheduled for importation into the US market beginning in early 2026. Nathan
Loyd states, “I believe in taking action without waiting for perfection: we execute
consistently, learn as we go, and build momentum to scale our impact globally.” A Leadership Lesson in Finding the Right Partners
A defining moment in Nathan Loyd’s leadership journey was recognizing the
difficulties of working with Kenyan banks that did not fully understand their
business. This insight led Avoveg to stop borrowing locally and instead seek
funding from the United States. Starting a business with the wrong financial
partner can lead to failure, making it essential to shift focus toward finding the
right collaborators.

9. This experience helped shape Nathan’s vision for Avoveg and strengthened his
belief in the importance of partnering with supportive and knowledgeable
stakeholders to successfully advance the company’s mission.
Insights on Nutrition, Healthcare, and Agriculture from Nathan
Loyd
1. Most Underrated Superfood Grown in Africa
“Avocado is the most underrated superfruit in Africa,” Nathan Loyd states.
“During the recent epidemic, avocado proved to be one of the best fruits for
health. It helped balance the pH in our stomachs and supported our immune
systems, helping us fight COVID-19 more effectively. Avocados truly are the new
apple.”
2. Biggest Misconception About Nutrition and Healthcare
The biggest misconception is thinking that the effects of poor nutrition won’t
catch up with us immediately. Many believe they can eat processed foods
occasionally without consequence, but unhealthy habits accumulate over time.
The truth is, we are what we eat, and healthy eating is essential because we only
have one life—there’s no second chance.
3. Sector Where Agriculture and Healthcare Must Collaborate
Urgently
Agriculture and healthcare must work hand in hand to better understand the
connection between nutrition and health. Entrepreneurs venturing into value
addition need to bridge the science behind nutrition with practical agricultural
solutions to create a strong, collaborative ecosystem.

10. 4. Kenyan Startup to Watch in Healthcare and Agriculture
One Kenyan startup to watch is Avoveg, which is going big in agriculture,
especially avocado farming. With increasing demand and population growth,
expanding farm sizes—from one acre to ten, or ten to thirty—is essential to meet
health-focused market needs.
5. Source of Faster Growth in the Next Five Years: Plant-Based
Nutrition or Biotech Supplements?
Plant-based nutrition will drive faster growth in the next five years. It offers
natural, sustainable solutions aligned with global health trends.
6. Biggest Barrier to Making Healthy Food Accessible to Everyone
“The biggest barrier is the perception that healthy food is expensive.” Nathan
Loyd acknowledges. “We make it more affordable by minimizing waste and
maximizing efficiency. For example, 30% of avocados are usually rejected due to
cosmetic defects, not quality. By processing what was previously
wasted—including plans for avocado powder—we can reduce costs and increase
accessibility. Our goal is to reduce waste from 30% to 1% by 2026.”
7. One Health Challenge in Africa to Solve with Nutrition Innovation
“If I could solve one health challenge in Africa with nutrition innovation, it would
be obesity.” Nathan Loyd says.
The Future of Healthy, Natural Avocado Products
Looking ahead to 2025 and beyond, a significant development will be the growth
of value-added products made using natural processing methods. For example,

11. Avoveg is producing guacamole using high-pressure processing, a technique that
avoids heat or freezing. This method helps preserve the natural quality and
nutrients of avocados—from the fertile soils of Kenya directly to the tables of their
American customers—ensuring healthy and natural products throughout the
supply chain.
Role in Shaping a Healthier, Sustainable Future
Avoveg Health Kenya Ltd will continue to lead by example, focusing on actions
rather than words. The company plans to provide guidance, engage in ongoing
research, and pursue continuous growth and learning. Guided by the belief that
the solution lies within the problem, Avoveg will encourage conversations and
partnerships that support a healthier and more sustainable future. This
commitment positions the company as a leader and benchmark in Kenya’s
avocado industry and beyond. Open Letter for Young Professionals
Dear Young Professionals,
My key piece of advice to those building impactful businesses at the intersection
of health, nutrition, and sustainability is simple: never give up. Failure is a
valuable and necessary part of the journey. As the author of My Successful
Failures (https://www.mysuccessfulfailures.com/ ), I have learned that failure
offers important lessons—if we are willing to learn from them. I have faced
failure thousands of times, and I believe true growth comes from embracing
these experiences.
It is also crucial to be careful about who you seek advice from. Look for mentors
who have real entrepreneurial experience. For example, turning to someone
without relevant business knowledge, such as a pastor, may not provide the
guidance you need in your professional journey. In the end, remember that the

12. solution lies within the problem. Stay persistent, and learn wisely from every
setback.
Sincerely,​
Mr. Nathan Loyd
5 Key Takeaways from Nathan’s Inspiring Story
1.​Innovation Solves Problems. Nathan Loyd believes in finding solutions
within problems. He tackled food waste by turning avocados with
cosmetic flaws into valuable products like oil and guacamole, which not
only reduced waste but also created new business opportunities. 2.​Add Value to Your Product. Avoveg’s success comes from its focus on
value addition. Instead of just exporting raw avocados, the company is
creating high-quality, processed goods for the global market, boosting its
profitability and market reach. 3.​Choose the Right Partners. Nathan learned the hard way that a business
needs strategic partners who understand its unique needs. He shifted
from local banks that didn’t get his business model to US-based partners
who shared his global vision, proving that the right support is crucial for
success.
4.​Sustainability Drives Profit. Avoveg’s commitment to sustainability is
both ethical and smart. By working with over 2,000 farmers and finding
a use for rejected fruit, the company reduces waste and builds a more
efficient and resilient business model. 5.​Food is a Form of Medicine. Nathan Loyd champions the idea that
healthy food is preventive healthcare. He sees his company’s natural
avocado products as a way to improve consumer health, bridging the gap
between agriculture and wellness.