Record-high exports for Peruvian avocado in 2021 and 2022 export growth predictions

Peru is the third-largest avocado producer, holding 8.6% of the global production share and 11.7% of the export share. Peruvian avocado production has faced significant growth during recent years due to the increase in productive income of new plantations and a higher yield coming from young trees. 39,645 hectares of Peruvian land located in 17 regions are destined for avocado production and the highest production volume is located in La Libertad, Ayacucho, Áncash, Lima, Arequipa, Apurímac, and Huancavelica.

Record high Peruvian avocado exports in 2021

2021 was an important year for Peruvian avocado exports with the record export value achieved. In the first seven months, from January through July, avocado exports grew 19% reaching an export volume of 407,349 tons. 

Source: Agraria

In 2021, Peru exported 525,829 metric tons of fresh avocado which represents USD 1,050,664,197. The exported volume established a 28.2% increase from the 410,000 metric tons exported in 2020 which was equivalent to USD 755,829, 979. 2021's record export value can be attributed to the increased global avocado demand and consumption.

Source: Fresh Plaza

In 2021, the main destinations for Peruvian avocados were the Netherlands, the United States, Spain, and Chile, which together accounted for 68% of the total volume exported. 

Source: Fresh Plaza

Peru also exported avocado to other important markets in 2021, including the United Kingdom (38,000 metric tons), Russia (11,000 metric tons), and China (14,000 metric tons). The increased demand for avocado in many countries is expected to continue its upward trend in 2022.

Peruvian avocado outlook for 2022

The avocado production growth expected for 2022 will facilitate an increase in the export volume. Peru is expected to export more than 600,000 metric tons of fresh avocado in 2022 which would represent a 14.3% increase from 2021 exports. 

Currently, Peru is in the early avocado season and production volume has been low. The coastal region produces the highest volume of avocados, and only the Sierra region participates in the early season. Avocado season on the coast starts on week 12 with smaller producers, and on week 18 for bigger producers entering the market.

According to Tridge’s Engagement Manager, Alessandro Cordano, the current price of avocados in Peru range from USD 10.50 to USD 12.50, and is expected to keep increasing until week 8 or 9. Once the coast starts to harvest, the supply of Peruvian avocado will increase and the price will stabilize. During week 18, when larger producers' supply is available, the international market price will regulate especially for Asia and Europe.

2021 presented great opportunities for Peruvian avocados due to the opening of new markets, and the same is expected for 2022. Countries like South Korea, Thailand, Japan, the Philippines, Vietnam, and Australia are growing their avocado consumption, and the high quality and increasing supply of Peruvian avocados will facilitate its introduction into these growing markets.

Sources:

Blue Book Services. Peru’s avocado exports up nearly 30% for 2020-21 season.

Blue Book Services. Peruvian avocado exports break records in 2021.

Fresh Plaza. 68% of the Peruvian avocado exported was sent to the Netherlands, the US, Spain, and Chile.

Gestión. Peruvian avocado exports grew 30% in the 2021 campaign, reported Senasa.

South Pacific Logistics. Peruvian avocado exports.

Tridge. 2021 Industry Report: Peruvian Avocado.

Tridge. Intelligence & Data.