Avocado Industry Updates: Commodity Market

Quick Look:

• Colombian Hass avocados are experiencing strong demand in the US and Europe.
• Kenya is lifting its avocado export ban, providing relief to farmers.
• Despite challenges, Kenya remains a major player in avocado exports, surpassing South Africa.

Colombia is experiencing a surge in demand for Hass avocados, projecting a 25% increase in production volume for the rest of 2024, primarily driven by the United States and Europe. Asian markets are also showing an uptick in demand fueled by the increasing trend toward sustainable, high-quality products.

Strong Demand for Colombian Hass Avocados in the US and Europe

The demand for Colombian Hass avocados remains robust, especially in key markets like the United States and Europe. Currently, size 48 avocados are priced between $40 and $45 in the United States, whereas in Europe, size 18 avocados are generally priced at around 15 EUR. These prices are subject to change based on factors like seasonality, product availability, and market conditions.

The avocados are exported to key markets such as the United States, Europe, Asia, the Middle East, South America, and with a focus on Chile. These markets are crucial to the product’s export strategy, allowing Columbia to meet the global demand for high-quality Hass avocados.

The avocados predominantly grow in seven key departments of Colombia, covering a total area of 400 hectares between Colombian production. The plan is to ship at least 10 containers weekly for the upcoming season. This increase in shipping capacity will help Colombia further strengthen distribution channels in the United States and Europe.

Kenya Lifts Avocado Export Ban, Bringing Relief to Farmers

Since March 1, Kenya has resumed avocado exports, ending a four-month ban imposed by the Agricultural Food Authority (AFA) to ensure the maturity and quality of exported fruit. The Horticultural Crops Directorate (HCD) lifted the ban initiated in November last year. However, until the open export window begins, the restriction on sea exports of Fuerte and Hass varieties will remain limited to size code 20 (184 grams).

The Kenyan government suspended sea exports of avocado varieties, using air transport for limited quantities to avoid exporting unripe fruit. AFA surveys from January 7 to 12 confirmed ripe fruit on farms meeting export standards, leading to the lifting of the ban.

Last year, Kenya’s avocado exports surpassed 20 billion Kenyan Shillings. This success was mainly due to Europe and the Middle East, making it a major foreign exchange earner. Despite challenges like smuggling and price fluctuations, Kenya has become a leading player in avocado exports, surpassing South Africa. The growth of local cottage industries extracting oil from the fruit has further contributed to Kenya’s burgeoning avocado industry.