W11 Avocado Update: Colombia's Hass Avocado Exports Increased in Jan-24, Peruvian Avocado Prices Surge 40% to 50% YoY, and Israel's Avocado Industry Thrives with High Harvest and European Demand

Published 2024년 3월 19일

In W11 in the avocado landscape, Colombia's Hass avocado exports increased by 53% YoY in Jan-24. Furthermore, due to reduced production and water availability challenges, Peruvian avocado prices increased by 40% to 50% YoY. Lastly, the increasing global demand for avocados has led to fruit thefts in Kenya, while Israel's avocado industry is experiencing a strong harvest season in Europe.

Colombia's Hass Avocado Exports Soared by 53% in Jan-24

Colombia exported 13.9 thousand tons of Hass avocado in Jan-24, a 53% year-over-year (YoY) increase. The increase was due to the high volume of the main harvest and the increased demand from the American market for the Super Bowl celebration. The Corporation of Hass Avocado Producers and Exporters of Colombia (Corpohass) reported that the avocado was the star product in the United States (US) Super Bowl. Colombian Hass avocado exports for the Super Bowl increased by 56% YoY, reaching 1.5 thousand tons, competing closely with Mexico, the leading US fruit supplier.

Peruvian Avocado Prices Surged by 40% to 50% YoY Amid Reduced Global Production

The Peruvian avocado season has seen a notable price hike of 40% to 50% YoY, ranging from USD 3.10 to USD 3.50 per kilogram (kg). This increase is due to reduced production in Mexico and California and water availability challenges in Chile, Spain, and Portugal. Despite this, the projected 2024 export volume is anticipated to decline by 16% to 468 thousand tons due to adverse weather conditions and limited new cultivation areas. ProHass is actively supporting small-scale farmers by providing training and market insights, focusing on preserving the quality of Peruvian avocados.

Avocado Theft Surges in Muranga, Kenya, Amid Rising Global Demand

The increasing global demand for avocados has fueled a surge in fruit thefts in Muranga, Kenya. Some avocado farmers have reported that entire orchards are stripped overnight. The agricultural sector urges local authorities to boost security measures to protect their investments. These thefts harm farmers' economic stability and jeopardize Kenya's position in the global avocado market.

Strong Harvest and Increasing Demand in Europe Support Israel's Avocado Industry

Israel is experiencing a strong avocado harvest season, with higher volumes and demand in the European market. So far, Israel produced 240 thousand tons of avocados in 2024, 40% for domestic consumption and 60% for export. Europe is the primary export market, with increased exports to other African countries. Israel primarily focuses on the European market, which cannot export to South America due to its avocado production. Other African nations like Kenya and Zambia also cultivate avocados. Green-skinned avocados are exported to Eastern Europe and Russia, while classic European countries like Germany, France, and the United Kingdom (UK) are significant importers. The avocado industry in Israel is expected to remain strong in 2024.