Rise in Ecuadorian Avocado Production to Compete in USA Market

In May 2022, the United States authorized the entry of Fuerte avocados from Ecuador. Until the last week of July, no Fuerte avocados were exported yet because producers still not implement the phytosanitary protocols necessary for exports to the U.S. There are over 7K hectares planted of Fuerte avocados, with the main bloom months on March to April, July to August, and November to February, which gives Ecuador a competitive advantage since it has avocado supply on months when it is low season on other productive countries. According to Ecuadorian producers, the first exports of Fuerte Avocados to the U.S are expected by the end of 2022, with a volume projection of 1.5K tons/year.

Ecuador has increased its Hass avocado production and exports. At the moment, Ecuador holds over 2K hectares that produce Has avocados between November and February. During July 2022 Ecuador held wholesale prices between USD 2.15-2.5/kg, and it is expected that by the end of August prices will increase by USD 0.5. It is forecasted that once Fuerte avocado exports start, the wholesale price will be similar to the price of Hass avocados.