Overall, avocado consumption continues to indicate impressive expansion. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2017 with a 29% increase year-on-year. The global avocado market also attained its peak level of US$14,9 billion that year.
Avocado production in the past few years
In 2018, the amount of avocados produced worldwide amounted to 6,4 million tons, rising by 6% against the previous year. Overall, the total output indicated a strong expansion from 2007 to 2018, with volume increasing at an average annual rate of 5,3%.
Based on 2018 figures, avocado production increased by 85,2% against 2008 indices. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2009, with a 13% increase year-on-year.
Avocado exports and markets
In 2018, approximately 2,4 million tons of avocados were exported worldwide, growing by 23% against the previous year. In general, avocado exports continue to indicate resilient growth. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2018 when exports increased by 23% year-on-year.
Mexico was the leading exporting country with exports of around 1,1 million tons, totalling 45% of total exports. It was distantly followed by Peru (361 000 tons), the Netherlands (246 000 tons) and Chile (133 000 tons), together comprising 31% of total exports. Spain (106 000 tons), South Africa (85 000 tons), Kenya (72 000 tons) and the United States (US) (68 000 tons) together made up 14% of total exports.
In value terms, Mexico (US$2,4 billion) remains the largest avocado supplier worldwide. Second place is occupied by the Netherlands (US$734 million), with a 13% share of global exports.
Avocado importers and prices
In 2018, the amount of avocados imported worldwide stood at 2,4 million tons, growing by 12% against the previous year. Overall, avocado imports continue to indicate resilient expansion.
The US was the key importing country with approximately 1 million tons, which accounted for 43% of total imports. The Netherlands (258 000 tons) was second, followed by France (144 000 tons), the UK (118 000 tons) and Spain (115 000 tons). Together, these countries comprised almost 26% of total imports. Canada (93 000 tons), Germany (93 000 tons), Japan (74 000 tons) and China (54 000 tons) followed way behind the leaders.
The average avocado import price stood at US$2 439/ton in 2018, dropping by 16,8% against the previous year. Over the eleven-year period, it increased at an average annual rate of 2,7%. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2011 with an increase of 23% year-on-year. The global import price peaked at US$2 931/ton in 2017, before declining slightly in the following year.
From 2007 to 2018, the most notable rate of growth in terms of import prices was attained by Germany, while the other global leaders experienced more modest paces of growth. – IndexBox
