Fresh Avocado from Tanzania

History

Avocados have been cultivated in Tanzania for decades, mainly in smallholder farms that supplied local markets. Commercial avocado farming began gaining momentum in the early 2000s, with increased demand from international buyers. By 2015, avocado exports started expanding significantly, with Europe becoming the primary destination. The Tanzania Horticultural Association (TAHA) and the government have played crucial roles in supporting farmers through training, improved seed distribution, and certification programs. Today, avocado farming is a key driver of Tanzania’s horticultural export sector.

Production Region

Tanzania’s avocado production is concentrated in regions with high-altitude and fertile soil, ensuring optimal growing conditions. Key regions include:

• Kilimanjaro: A leading production area with fertile volcanic soil and high altitudes, producing high-quality Hass avocados.
• Mbeya: One of the fastest-growing avocado-producing regions, benefiting from a cool climate suitable for year-round cultivation.
• Iringa: A region with increasing avocado farm investments, known for its expanding commercial orchards.
• Njombe: An important highland area for avocado farming, with smallholder farmers transitioning to export-focused production.
• Arusha: Known for its strong agricultural sector, with avocado production complementing other high-value crops like coffee.

Growing Conditions

Tanzania offers an excellent environment for avocado farming, which contributes to its high-quality production:

• Climate: A tropical climate with distinct rainy and dry seasons, providing ideal conditions for avocado growth.
• Temperature: An optimal range between 18-26°C, with temperatures that avoid extremes that could damage the fruit.
• Rainfall: The average rainfall is around 1,200-2,500 mm annually, and irrigation is used in drier regions.
• Soil: Volcanic and loamy soils that are well-draining, rich in nutrients, and have a pH range of 5.5-7.0.

Harvesting Process

Tanzanian avocados are harvested carefully to ensure the highest quality:

• Maturity Indicators: Harvesting is determined by maturity, focusing on dry matter content (usually between 21-26%) and skin texture.
• Hand Picking: Avocados are manually picked to prevent damage, with care taken to avoid bruising.
• Post-Harvest Handling: After harvest, avocados are sorted, graded, and packed under controlled conditions to preserve freshness. They are often stored in cold storage facilities before export.

Cultivation Method

Tanzanian avocado farming incorporates both traditional and modern agricultural practices, with a focus on sustainability:

• Smallholder and large-scale farms: Avocado cultivation in Tanzania is dominated by smallholder farmers, but commercial farms are expanding rapidly.
• Organic farming practices: Many farms use minimal pesticides and focus on natural soil fertility management, making Tanzanian avocados attractive to organic buyers.
• Drip irrigation systems: Some commercial farms, especially in drier regions, use modern irrigation techniques to optimize water usage.
• Agroforestry integration: Many smallholder farms cultivate avocados alongside bananas, coffee, and maize, maximizing land use.
• Export certifications: Farms seeking entry into European and Middle Eastern markets comply with GlobalG.A.P., Organic, and Fairtrade certification standards.

Supply Chain

Tanzania's avocado supply chain is evolving with a mix of smallholder farmers and larger cooperatives:

• Smallholder Farmers: Many Tanzanian farmers are involved in avocado production, though they often require support from cooperatives for exporting.
• Larger Exporters: Larger companies dominate the export sector, working with farmers to meet international standards.
• Export Partnerships: Tanzania exports avocados to Europe, the Middle East, and increasingly to Asia, building its international presence.

Local Logistics

Logistics play a key role in the avocado supply chain within Tanzania:

• Road Transport: Trucks transport avocados from farms to packing stations and export hubs.
• Cold Chain Infrastructure: Cold storage and refrigerated trucks are used to maintain freshness during transport.
• Export Hubs: Key ports like Dar es Salaam serve as the main gateways for avocado exports, with avocados also sent to regional airports for air freight.

Regulations and Certifications

Tanzanian avocado producers must adhere to international standards and regulations:

• GlobalG.A.P. Certification: Ensures that the avocados are produced according to safe and sustainable farming practices.
• Phytosanitary Requirements: Compliance with international standards for plant health, especially when exporting to the EU and Middle Eastern markets.
• Fair Trade Certifications: Some producers are certified to meet social and environmental standards for premium markets.

Quality Standards

Tanzanian avocados are graded according to international standards:

• Size & Weight: Most Hass avocados range from 150g to 350g.
• Skin Appearance: Avocados should be free from significant blemishes or defects and have smooth skin.
• Dry Matter Content: The dry matter content should fall between 21% and 26%, which is indicative of a creamy texture and high oil content.
• Firmness & Texture: Avocados must be firm at the time of harvest to allow for proper ripening during transit.

Trade Terms

Common trade terms for Tanzanian avocados include:

• Minimum Order Quantity (MOQ): Typically 10 to 20 metric tons per shipment.
• Incoterms: FOB (Free on Board), CIF (Cost, Insurance, and Freight), and DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) are common terms.
• Payment Methods: Payment is typically made through letters of credit, wire transfers, and other international trade payment methods.

Environmental and Social Impacts

Tanzania's avocado industry has several environmental and social implications:

• Water Use: Some avocado farms are located in areas where water resources are limited, raising concerns about water use and sustainability.
• Land Conversion: There are concerns over the conversion of forests to avocado farms, though efforts are being made to ensure sustainable practices.
• Economic Growth: Avocado farming is a significant source of income for farmers, especially in rural areas, providing employment and economic opportunities.
• Social Responsibility: Many cooperatives and larger exporters are focusing on fair trade and sustainable farming practices to support local communities.

Uses

Tanzanian avocados are used in a variety of ways:

• Fresh Consumption: Primarily consumed fresh in salads, sandwiches, and guacamole.
• Processed Products: There is a growing market for avocado oil, frozen pulp, and other processed avocado-based products.
• Culinary Applications: Avocados are also used in smoothies, desserts, and even in savory dishes as a healthy fat alternative.

Additional Information 

• Tanzania’s avocado exports are rapidly growing, with demand increasing in Europe, the Middle East, and Asia.
• The country's focus on high-quality production has helped it to secure a foothold in international markets, particularly for the Hass variety.
• There are ongoing efforts to improve farming practices and increase exports to meet the growing global demand for avocados.