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Ecuador is strengthening its global presence in Hass avocado exports, having shipped 3.5 million kilograms (kg) in 2024 to key markets such as Russia, the Netherlands, Belgium, Spain, Saudi Arabia, Dubai, and Argentina. To support industry growth, over 200 small and medium-sized producers from Pichincha, Carchi, and Imbabura participated in a 20-month AGRODES training initiative, backed by Corporación de Promoción de Exportaciones e Inversiones (CORPEI) and the European Union’s (EU) AL-INVEST Verde program. The project emphasized environmental sustainability, market competitiveness, and strategic export planning. Focused on formalizing sales and improving production standards, industry stakeholders aim to boost exports by 30% in 2025.
Israel has exported approximately 100 thousand tons of avocados this season and expects to reach 130 thousand tons by its conclusion, maintaining last year's levels. The country continues to expand avocado acreage by 500 to 1 thousand hectares (ha) annually while also promoting domestic consumption. Over 60% of its green avocado varieties, such as Ettinger and Pinkerton, are shipped to Russia, with Poland receiving 15 to 20%. As competition intensifies from major producers like Mexico, South Africa, and Chile, Israel is exploring new markets in the Far East and developing climate-resilient avocado varieties to ensure long-term growth.
Kenya’s avocado harvesting season began on February 14, 2025, with green-skinned varieties, followed by Hass later in the season. Climate change has delayed peak harvests by a month, shifting peak volumes from March to April, particularly for Hass. Despite these disruptions, the quality of Kenyan avocados continues to improve, driving strong demand in key markets across Europe, the Middle East, and the Far East. Avocado acreage has expanded from 30 thousand to 34 thousand ha, reflecting growers' confidence in the sector. Meanwhile, logistical challenges in the Red Sea are accelerating the adoption of advanced storage technologies to preserve fruit quality and ensure export stability.
Morocco’s avocado season has seen increased production and good fruit quality, though occasional overstock issues have pressured prices. With around 30% of the harvest still on trees, rising dry matter levels pose a challenge for exporters. Local consumption is expected to rise during Ramadan, helping to absorb some of the surpluses. However, prices remain lower than anticipated due to market factors such as high discard rates for ripened fruit and weaker consumer demand at higher price points. Managing supply in line with market conditions will be key to sustaining Morocco’s avocado exports.
Spain's Valencian Community is entering the peak of its avocado season, with the Lamb Hass harvest beginning earlier than usual due to favorable weather conditions. Production is expected to increase by 10% over last season, reaching approximately 23 thousand tons–accounting for over 25% of Spain’s national production. This growth is supported by new plantations, stable water availability, and minimal pest issues. While prices remain steady amid rising avocado consumption, industry groups stress the need for optimal ripeness at harvest to ensure quality. Efforts are also focused on enhancing sustainability, strengthening regional branding, and addressing challenges such as theft and climate-related risks.
Mexico's avocado prices dropped slightly by 1.94% week-on-week (WoW) to USD 3.03/kg in W9, marking a 0.33% month-on-month (MoM) slight decrease due to the post-Super Bowl demand cooldown, leading to reduced export urgency and a gradual recovery in local supply. However, there is a 42.92% year-on-year (YoY) surge due to persistent supply constraints following a 40% drop in US-bound shipments earlier in the season. Mexico’s dominant role in the United States (US) market continues to drive high price levels, with exporters prioritizing premium pricing amid limited availability.
Avocado prices in Peru increased by 3.51% WoW to USD 1.18/kg in W9, with a rise of 7.27% MoM and 2.61% YoY. The price increase is due to continued strong demand from European markets, where reduced supplies from Morocco and Spain have reinforced Peru’s export opportunities. Additionally, tighter domestic availability as growers transition into the new production cycle has supported price growth. Higher export values have also been driven by strategic market positioning, with exporters focusing on premium segments and optimizing logistics to maximize returns. Despite increased competition from Mexico and Chile, Peru’s steady supply management and favorable market conditions have helped sustain upward price momentum.
In W9, avocado prices in Spain remained stable at USD 2.08/kg, reflecting a 16.85% MoM increase. This rise is due to the early onset of the Lamb Hass harvest in the Valencian Community, bolstered by favorable weather conditions and a 10% production increase over the previous season, reaching approximately 23 thousand tons. The surge in supply has met the growing domestic and European demand, keeping prices steady. However, on a YoY basis, prices have declined by 26.24%, primarily due to the substantial production growth from new plantations and enhanced water availability, leading to a higher overall market supply.
Chilean avocado prices fell by 4.74% WoW to USD 3.42/kg in W9, showing a 7.57% YoY decline due to the seasonal rise in supply as the final harvest volumes reached the market, increasing availability and easing price pressure. Additionally, competition from Mexico and Peru in key export destinations, particularly in Europe, has tempered demand for Chilean avocados, contributing to the overall price decline compared to the previous year. However, there is a slight rise of 0.29% MoM due to steady local demand and tighter medium-term supply expectations as the harvest season nears its end. Limited alternative sources in the local market have provided some support, preventing a sharper MoM decline.
Moroccan avocado exporters should carefully manage harvest timing to prevent overripening and minimize discard rates. Adjusting picking schedules based on market demand and dry matter levels can help maintain quality. Investing in improved post-harvest handling, such as controlled ripening and cold storage, will extend shelf life and reduce waste. Retailers can also introduce promotions during Ramadan to boost local consumption and stabilize prices.
Kenyan avocado exporters should invest in advanced storage solutions like controlled atmosphere (CA) containers to maintain fruit quality during extended transit times. Optimizing cold chain logistics and using alternative shipping routes will help mitigate delays caused by Red Sea disruptions. Growers can also adjust harvest planning to align with peak demand periods in key markets, ensuring better prices and reducing spoilage.
Israeli avocado exporters should strengthen their position in emerging Far East markets by tailoring marketing strategies to local consumer preferences. Promoting premium varieties with extended shelf life and superior taste can help differentiate Israeli avocados from competitors. Additionally, growers should focus on developing climate-resilient varieties to ensure consistent supply and maintain export competitiveness.
Sources: Tridge, Andina, Agronet, AVA-ASAJA, Freshplaza, Portalfruiticola, Perot, Portalagrochile
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