7 Reasons Why Avocado Exports Are Booming Worldwide

Avocado exports have been growing steadily in the past decade, reaching a record value of US$7.35 billion in 2022. What are the factors behind this global phenomenon? Here are seven reasons why avocados are in high demand around the world, along with some details and examples to illustrate each point.

1. Health benefits

Avocados are rich in healthy fats, fiber, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. They can help lower cholesterol, improve skin health, support weight loss and prevent chronic diseases. According to a study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association, eating one avocado a day can significantly reduce LDL cholesterol levels, which are associated with cardiovascular risk. Avocados also contain compounds that can protect the skin from UV damage, inflammation and aging. Moreover, avocados are high in satiety, meaning they can make you feel full longer and reduce your calorie intake. Avocados also have anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer and anti-diabetic properties, thanks to their phytochemicals and polyphenols.

2. Versatility

Avocados can be used in various dishes, from salads and dips to smoothies and desserts. They have a smooth texture and a subtle flavor that can enhance any recipe. Avocados can be eaten raw or cooked, mashed or sliced, blended or whipped. They can be paired with different ingredients, such as eggs, cheese, bacon, tomatoes, nuts, berries and chocolate. They can also be used as a substitute for butter, cream, mayonnaise and oil in baking and cooking. Some of the most popular avocado dishes include guacamole, avocado toast, avocado salad, avocado smoothie, avocado ice cream and avocado brownies.

3. Popularity

Avocados have become a trendy food item among consumers, especially millennials and Gen Z. They are often associated with wellness, sustainability and social media. Avocado toast, for example, is a popular breakfast choice among young people, who enjoy its taste, health benefits and Instagram ability. Avocados are also seen as a symbol of environmental awareness and social responsibility, as they are grown organically and fair trade in many regions. Avocados are also featured in many celebrity diets and endorsements, such as Oprah Winfrey, Beyoncé and Meghan Markle.

4. Production

Avocado production has expanded in many regions, especially in Latin America and Africa. Mexico is the leading exporter of avocados, accounting for 47.6% of the global market share in 2022, followed by the Netherlands (12.3%) and Peru (12.2%). Mexico has a long history of growing avocados, dating back to the Aztec civilization. Mexico has also developed a strong infrastructure and technology for harvesting, packing and shipping avocados to various markets. Peru is another major producer of avocados, with a favorable climate and soil for growing Hass avocados, the most popular variety worldwide. Peru has also invested in improving its quality standards and certifications to meet the demands of international consumers. Other countries that have increased their avocado production in recent years include Chile, Colombia, Morocco, Kenya and South Africa.

5. Trade

Avocado trade has been facilitated by improved logistics, transportation and storage technologies. Avocados can be shipped to distant markets with minimal losses and spoilage. The European Union is the largest importer of avocados, followed by the United States and China. The European Union has a high demand for avocados due to its health-conscious consumers and diverse cuisines. The United States is the second-largest importer of avocados, mainly from Mexico and Peru. The United States also has a large domestic production of avocados in California and Florida. China is the third-largest importer of avocados, with a growing appetite for exotic fruits and western foods. China imports most of its avocados from Chile and Mexico.

6. Marketing

Avocado marketing has been effective in creating awareness, interest and loyalty among consumers. Avocado producers and exporters have invested in branding, advertising, promotion and education campaigns to showcase the benefits and uses of avocados. Some examples of successful avocado marketing strategies include:

The World Avocado Organization (WAO), which represents the major avocado producing countries and promotes the consumption of avocados globally through events, partnerships and media campaigns.
The Hass Avocado Board (HAB), which funds research and marketing programs to increase the demand for Hass avocados in the United States.
The Love One Today campaign, which educates consumers about the nutritional value of avocados and provides recipes and tips on how to incorporate them into their daily diet.
The Super Bowl commercials, which feature celebrities and humor to highlight the versatility and popularity of avocados.

7. Innovation

Avocado innovation has been driven by research and development, new product development and value addition. Avocado products such as oil, powder, butter, milk and cosmetics have been introduced to cater to different consumer needs and preferences. Some examples of innovative avocado products include:

Avocado oil, which is extracted from the pulp of the fruit and has a high smoke point and a mild flavor. It can be used for cooking, baking, dressing and skincare.
Avocado powder, which is made from freeze-dried avocados and has a long shelf life and a concentrated flavor. It can be used for smoothies, soups, sauces and baking.
Avocado butter, which is made from blended avocados and has a creamy texture and a rich taste. It can be used as a spread, dip, frosting or filling.
Avocado milk, which is made from blended avocados and water and has a smooth consistency and a nutty flavor. It can be used as a dairy alternative for coffee, cereal, oatmeal and baking.
Avocado cosmetics, which are made from avocado oil and other natural ingredients and have moisturizing, nourishing and anti-aging effects. They can be used for hair, face and body care.

Avocado exports are expected to continue growing in the future, as more consumers discover the wonders of this superfruit.

Avocado Exports: A Growing Industry

Avocados are a popular fruit that have many health benefits and culinary uses. They are rich in healthy fats, fiber, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. They can be eaten raw, mashed, sliced, blended or cooked in various dishes. Avocados are also used to make products such as oil, cosmetics and pharmaceuticals.

The global demand for avocados has been increasing steadily over the years, driven by factors such as rising incomes, changing consumer preferences, health awareness and globalization. According to Statista, the global avocado market value was estimated at 9.14 billion U.S. dollars in 2021 and is projected to reach 12.79 billion U.S. dollars by 2026.

The main producers of avocados in the world are Mexico, Peru, Colombia, Chile, Indonesia and the United States. However, not all of them are major exporters of avocados. In fact, the global avocado trade is dominated by a few countries that have the advantage of favorable climatic conditions, large-scale production, efficient logistics and strong market access.

According to World’s Top Exports, the top 10 exporters of avocados in 2022 were:

Mexico: US$3.5 billion (47.6% of total avocados exports)
Netherlands: $905.3 million (12.3%)
Peru: $894.3 million (12.2%)
Spain: $415.8 million (5.7%)
Chile: $212.9 million (2.9%)
Colombia: $179.3 million (2.4%)
United States of America: $149.7 million (2%)
Morocco: $147.5 million (2%)
South Africa: $139 million (1.9%)
Kenya: $131.8 million (1.8%)

These 10 countries accounted for 91% of the total value of avocados exported worldwide in 2022.

Avocado Exports: Trends and Challenges

The global avocado trade has been experiencing some significant changes and challenges in recent years. Some of the main trends and challenges are:

Diversification of markets and suppliers: The traditional markets for avocados are the United States and Europe, where the consumption of avocados is high and growing. However, new markets such as China, Japan, India and the Middle East are also emerging as potential destinations for avocado exports. These markets offer opportunities for expanding the demand and diversifying the risk for avocado exporters. At the same time, new suppliers such as Colombia, Morocco, Kenya and Vietnam are also entering the global avocado trade, increasing the competition and supply for avocados.

Quality standards and certifications: The quality and safety of avocados are essential for meeting the expectations and requirements of consumers and importers in different markets. Avocado exporters need to comply with various quality standards and certifications such as Global GAP, Organic, Fair Trade and Rainforest Alliance. These standards and certifications ensure that avocados are produced in a sustainable, ethical and environmentally friendly way.

Climate change and pests: The production and export of avocados depend largely on the climatic conditions of the regions where they are grown. Climate change can affect the availability and quality of water, soil, temperature and rainfall for avocado cultivation. Moreover, climate change can also increase the risk of pests and diseases that can damage or destroy avocado crops. For example, the laurel wilt disease caused by a fungus transmitted by an invasive beetle has been affecting avocado production in Florida. Avocado exporters need to adopt measures to mitigate and adapt to the impacts of climate change on their production systems.

Transportation and logistics: The transportation and logistics of avocados are challenging due to their perishable nature and high demand. Avocados need to be harvested at the right time, stored at the right temperature and humidity, packed in the right containers and shipped in the right mode to ensure their freshness and quality upon arrival at their destination markets. Avocado exporters need to invest in infrastructure, technology and innovation to improve their transportation and logistics efficiency and reduce their costs.

Avocado Exports: Outlook and Opportunities

The outlook for the global avocado trade is positive and promising for the coming years. The demand for avocados is expected to continue growing in both existing and new markets, driven by factors such as population growth, urbanization, income growth, health awareness and culinary trends.

The opportunities for avocado exporters are also abundant and diverse, depending on their competitive advantages, market strategies and value-added propositions.

Some of the possible opportunities for avocado exporters are:

Developing niche markets and products: Avocado exporters can differentiate themselves from their competitors by developing niche markets and products that cater to the specific needs and preferences of different segments of consumers. For example, some consumers may prefer organic, fair trade or flavored avocados, while others may be interested in avocado oil, butter, powder or supplements.

Expanding value chains and partnerships: Avocado exporters can expand their value chains and partnerships by collaborating with other actors in the avocado industry such as producers, processors, distributors, retailers and consumers. By doing so, they can create synergies, share resources, reduce risks and increase their bargaining power and market access.

Leveraging digital technologies and platforms: Avocado exporters can leverage digital technologies and platforms such as blockchain, artificial intelligence, big data and e-commerce to enhance their production, marketing, traceability and customer service. By doing so, they can improve their efficiency, transparency, quality and customer satisfaction.

References:

http://www.fao.org/faostat/en/#data/QC/

https://www.fao.org/faostat/en/#data/QCL/visualize

Global avocado market value 2021-2026 | Statista
Avocado production worldwide 2021, by country | Statista
Avocados Exports by Country 2022 – World’s Top Exports
Volume fresh avocado exports

https://www.statista.com/statistics/938561/major-exporters-avocado-export-value/