Avocados are the much-loved berries of the avocado tree (Persea americana). They are native to Mexico and Central America but are cultivated across several continents today. The avocado fruit is large, oily, and highly nutritious, and the health benefits of eating avocados have driven the high demand for them in recent decades.
The health and fitness world prizes avocados for their healthy fats, fibre, vitamins, and minerals. They’re rich in B6, magnesium, folate, vitamin C, and vitamin E, nutrients often lacking in people’s diets.
Most avocados are traded fresh. Frozen avocados take up a smaller market share and are mainly used by food manufacturers for processed products like guacamole and smoothies. However, they also have applications outside the food industry, including cosmetics and medicines.
The Global Avocados Market in Numbers
According to GII Research, the total value of the global avocado market was $17.66 billion in 2023. It’s expected to grow 9.8% annually to $28.15 billion by 2028. This high growth is due to several factors, notably their reputation as a highly nutritious, low-calorie food option, an increase in avocado-based snacks, and the emerging trend towards healthier eating habits.
Mexico, the Dominican Republic, Peru, Columbia, and Indonesia are the largest producers of avocados. Brazil, Chile, Kenya, California, and Florida are notable producers. Spain is Europe’s primary avocado producer, with most of the production in the subtropical region of Andalusia. Southern Portugal’s Algarve region and Sicily in Italy also have a climate conducive to avocado growth. These European volumes of avocado production are small compared to global heavyweights like Mexico ($3.25B) and Peru ($989M).
The Netherlands is Europe’s largest importer of avocados, with €626 million in 2022. Spain, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, and Poland are the following largest importers. The total value of avocado imports from developing countries to Europe was €1.8 billion in 2022. Europe is expected to become responsible for 31% of global imports by 2030.
Principle Exporters of Avocados to Europe
Americas
Peru is the dominant supplier of avocados to Europe, accounting for 40% of foreign supply. Its exports to Europe were valued at €953 million in 2022. Peruvian suppliers are known for being well-organised and able to manage large volumes that keep supplies available from April to September. Around 1.2% of the exports are certified organic.
Chile was the second-largest supplier of avocados to Europe in 2022 (€261 million). Its counter-seasonal production exports avocados from September to February, covering the gap between Purvian and Spanish production.
Columbia is Europe’s fourth-largest supplier of avocados, with €203 million worth in 2022. In recent years, its exports to Europe have surpassed those of Kenya, South Africa, and Mexico. Columbian producers improved exports by dealing with previous product quality and internal logistics problems. The Netherlands, the United Kingdom, and Spain are its largest export destinations.
Africa
Kenya is the largest African supplier of avocados in Europe. In 2022, it exported €161 million worth despite product handling and cold chain issues. Export quality has improved in recent years because of strict European standards, and Kenyan suppliers are increasingly sought-after for their long season and competitive prices. Over half of its avocados are also grown organically.
In 2022, Morocco’s avocado exports to Europe were worth €160 million, just under Kenya’s. The country is ideally positioned to supply avocados to the European market during the winter but has to compete against Spain and Israel. It is more affordable than those countries and has seen steep growth in recent years.
South Africa also has a sizeable European avocado export industry, at €156 million in 2022. It’s notably the base for several multinational avocado companies, including Halls and Westfalia Fruit.
European Distribution Hubs for Avocados
In 2022, thelargest importers of avocados into Europe were the Netherlands (€626 million), Spain (€342 million), France (€290 million), Germany (€221 million), the United Kingdom (€155 million), and Poland (€40 million).
The Netherlands is the largest non-producing exporter of avocados in the world. Many of its imports are re-exported to France, Germany, and Scandinavia, and exports to Poland and Poland are growing. Dutch traders are known for their avocado ripening, packing, and logistics expertise.
In 2022, France imported over 200,000 tonnes of avocados, with a local demand of 163,000. Consumption growth is slower in France than in several other European markets, partly due to its status as a more mature market. German and Polish growth is more fast-paced, while the UK’s remains relatively stable.
The Market for Avocados in Europe
France is Europe’s leading end market for avocados, while Scandinavia has the highest consumption per capita. While growth in some of these leading consuming European countries is slowing down, Italy, Germany, and Eastern European countries have the potential for growth in the coming years.
Spain, Italy, and Portugal have also begun to fulfil the role of suppliers to the European market. Interest in avocado and avocado-based products is growing as consumers look for healthy food products that are low-calorie but nutrient-rich. Avocado on toast is an increasingly popular choice for many.
There’s also been a growing demand for ‘ready to eat’ avocados that provide convenience and quality simultaneously. European consumers will generally pay a higher price for these fruits.
Advice for Getting into the Avocado Sector
If you’re interested in working in the cultivation, export, import, or wholesale/retail of avocados, consider this:
European regulations:
The EU and UK have strict regulations, including pesticide residues and contaminants, phytosanitary regulations, quality standards, and maturity requirements. Fruits must also be within the specified dimensions, with a maximum difference between the smallest and largest fruits within a package of 25 grams.
Demand for variety:
Hass is the most sought-after variety in Europe, especially in Scandinavia and the Netherlands. It’s known for being suitable for transport and ripening. Green skin avocados have become less sought-after but are still popular in Italy and Eastern Europe. Pinkerton avocados have a more specific time demand, as they are a late variety.
Organic market:
The European market for organic avocados is relatively small, but demand is growing. For health-conscious Europeans, organic is a desirable choice, so be sure to apply for an organic certificate with an accredited certifier and provide proof of a transparent and certified supply chain for buyers.
Sources:
https://www.cbi.eu/market-information/fresh-fruit-vegetables/avocados/market-potential
https://www.cbi.eu/market-information/fresh-fruit-vegetables/avocados/market-entry
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/avocado-nutrition#nutrition
https://oec.world/en/profile/hs/avocados-freshdried
https://www.agroperu.pe/ancash-primera-region-productora-de-palta-organica-del-peru/
