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Global Avocado Market to See Further Growth Spurred by Mounting Demand for Healthy Food

06 Nov 2018 • by Natalie Aster

LONDON – From pole to pole, the demand for avocado has never been so high since its introduction to the commercial market in the 90’s. The fruit that was once called “exotic” now is one of the most in-demand fruit across the world. Though it is not a product of daily demand, avocado continues to pique consumers’ interest and gain popularity worldwide, majorly owing to certain health benefits associated with avocado consumption and its rich content of fibre, vitamins, minerals, and monounsaturated fats. In the wake of the enhancing health awareness amid consumers along with surging healthy eating trend, avocado has emerged as a part of a staple diet during the past several years. Besides numerous culinary uses, avocado is an important ingredient in the production of soaps, cosmetics, cooking oil, etc. Rapidly increasing demand for avocado makes it one of the fastest-growing categories amid all tropical fruits.

PRODUCTION

The constantly mounting consumption spurred a steady upturn of the global avocado production during 2010-2017. In the year 2010, around 3.92 million metric tons of avocado were produced globally, whilst in 2016 the overall output reached 5.57 million metric tons. Last year, the world’s production of avocado added appr. 4.1% YoY and climbed to 5.8 million metric tons.

Global production of avocado during 2000-2017 (in million metric tons)

Global production of avocado during 2000-2017 (in million metric tons)

Central America and the Caribbean together account for almost half of the global avocado production, with around a third of output coming from Mexico. The total avocado production area in this country is estimated at over 415.5 thousand acres. About 85% of the Mexican avocado are grown in such states as Morelos, Puebla, Nayarit, Michoacán, and Mexico. The avocado industry in Mexico provides nearly 40 thousand jobs and also 70 thousand seasonal jobs, therefore, it plays a significant role in the country’s economy.

The Dominican Republic ranks the second leading avocado producer in the world. Owing to the favourable climate, avocado in the country is harvested all year round. A major chunk of the country’s avocado production is consumed domestically rather than exported. The Dominican Republic is planning to expand the avocado trees plantations with the aim to reforest the island and also boost the national export potential.

Top 10 avocado producing countries, 2016 (in thousand metric tons)

Top 10 avocado producing countries, 2016 (in thousand metric tons)

The third spot on the list of the world’s leading avocado producing countries is held by Peru. 60% of the country’s avocado production is exported to other countries. Presently, avocado is the third leading agricultural product exported from Peru, outpaced only by coffee and grapes. Since the early 2000s, Peru has been making substantial investments in large-scale avocado plantings, some of which are now reaching their full potential. Furthermore, the introduction of new irrigation projects has fueled the development of the Peruvian avocado industry. Besides, with a view of higher returns, many growers are switching to avocado from other crops.

However, the situation slightly changed in the past year: the avocado crop in the Dominican Republic was damaged by a severe hurricane in October that caused a considerable reduction in the country’s avocado output volume, whilst the Peruvian avocado production demonstrated a remarkable growth on the back of the increased acreage. In fact, Peru outpaced the Dominican Republic and took the second position worldwide in terms of avocado production in 2017.

EXPORTS

In 2017, the world’s total avocado export value reached some USD 6 billion. Amid regions, North American countries (including Mexico) accounted for the largest share of international sales of avocados with regional shipments valued at appr. USD 3.1 billion – around 51% of the world’s total exports. European exporters took the second place with a share of nearly 22.8% of the global avocado exports. And the third position was held by Latin America (including the Caribbean but excluding Mexico) grabbing a 19.5% share. Smaller shares of the world’s avocado exports were held by Africa (3.4%) and Asia (1.7%).

Mexico ranks the world’s dominant avocado exporter by far outpacing all the other exporting countries. In 2017, the Mexican exports of avocado totaled over USD 2.9 billion, which is equivalent to appr. 48.5% of the global shipments.

The Netherlands is the second biggest exporter of avocado accounting for a share of around 13.4% in the global exports. Last year, the value of avocado exports from the Netherlands exceeded to USD 635.8 million.

Peru comes in third place in the world in terms of avocado exports with a share of 9.7% in the world’s overall exports value. In 2017, the Peruvian avocado exports surpassed USD 581 million.

Leading exporters of avocado, 2017 (in million USD)

Leading exporters of avocado, 2017 (in million USD)

Other important suppliers of avocado on the international market include Chile, Spain, the US, New Zealand, Kenya, and some others.

The US in the number 1 importer of avocado in the world; the country accounts for about 51% of the world’s avocado imports. It is followed by the EU accounting for nearly 27% of overall avocado imports. Top three consumers of avocado in the EU region comprise the Netherlands, France, and the UK. Meantime, Asia (especially such countries as China, Japan, and South Korea) is emerging as an important destination for avocado exports.

MARKET FUTURE OUTLOOK

Last year, the worldwide avocado market was valued at some USD 13 billion. It is forecast to maintain a steady growth pace in the coming years, registering a CAGR of appr. 6.2%. In 2023, the market value may climb to USD 18.7 billion.

Global avocado market value from 2016 till 2023* (in billion USD)

Global avocado market value from 2016 till 2023* (in billion USD)

Robust growth of the avocado market will further be encouraged by the surging trend of healthy lifestyle worldwide, increasing consumption of healthy food, and rising use of avocados in different end-use industries.

Latin America is poised to be at the forefront of the world’s avocado market owing to the high contribution of Mexico, the Dominican Republic, and Colombia. Last year, the Latin American avocado market stood at the value of some USD 5.4 billion. It is anticipated to expand at a CAGR of nearly 5.5% in the years ahead. Besides, the North American and APAC avocado markets are predicted to show strong growth potential in the foreseeable future.

© MarketPublishers.com, 2018

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