Ecuadorian Government Promotes the Growth of the Avocado Industry

Published Apr 18, 2022

Avocado is considered a non-traditional agricultural export product in Ecuador, but its global popularity makes it the fruit tree with the most potential for cultivation and exports. The Ecuadorian government is conducting initiatives to promote the increase of the harvest area and exports. In 2021, Ecuadorian avocado exports reached 600 tons, representing a 175% increase from 2016 and holding a USD 2.2 million three-year average. Forecasts indicate Ecuadorian avocado could be exported yearly to at least 34 global markets and generate USD 360 million in export revenue.

Avocado is considered a non-traditional agricultural export product in Ecuador, but its global popularity makes it the fruit tree with the most potential for cultivation in the Inter-Andean valleys of Ecuador. Ecuador has the optimal edaphological and climatic conditions for avocado production. Thus, the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAG) is actively promoting the increase in the harvest area and the production of avocado due to the opportunities it will provide for local employment and agricultural exports.

In 2021, Ecuador had 1,750 hectares registered nationwide for avocado production, belonging to 70 producers in 16 provinces. Avocado production is located primarily in the Sierra region in Carchi, Imbabura, and Pichincha. The seasons are different per region. The Sierra region has two seasons, January to March and August to December, and the Coast has its season from March to July. The most common avocado varieties in Ecuador are Fuerte and Hass - the Fuerte is sold primarily in the local market, and the Hass variety is used for exports.

According to the Ecuadorian Ministry of Production, Foreign Trade, Investments, and Fisheries (MPCEIP), avocado production generates 18,408 jobs locally, having great potential to create jobs. Ecuadorian avocado producers have implemented new technological advances to generate a higher production yield and higher quality avocados. The Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock is conducting programs that provide technical assistance and training to help market Ecuadorian avocados locally and internationally. Increased production, increased quality, and better marketing techniques have allowed the opening of new export markets and increased exports.

Ecuadorian avocados are one of the non-traditional items that offer the best opportunity to increase agricultural exports. Since 2016, Ecuadorian avocado exports have increased by 175%, reaching an export volume of 600 tons in 2021. In 2021, the main export destinations for Ecuadorian avocados were Spain with a 78.3% market share, Colombia with a 6.2% market share, and Hong Kong with a 5.5% market share. Exports in 2019 reached the highest export volume, reaching 1,258 tons, but the export volume decreased due to the impact of the pandemic on production coupled with logistical issues. Since 2019, the average Ecuadorian avocado export value has been USD 2.2 million.

Source: Trade Map, El Universo

Ecuadorian avocado production and exports are forecasted to increase in 2022. So far this year, there have been two avocado shipments to Europe from small producers part of the Federation of Fruit Growers of Northern Ecuador "FEDEFRUNOR". 24 tons of avocados from the Imbabura province were shipped from Guayaquil to the Netherlands. The Ecuadorian government is prioritizing initiatives to incentivize the production of avocado, hemp, and dragon fruit since these products have the most export potential. Forecasts state that Ecuadorian avocado could be exported yearly to at least 34 global markets and generate USD 360 million in export revenue.