Peruvian avocado crop eyes up to 20 percent growth
Lee este artículo en Español. | Writing and reporting by Macarena Bravo.
The Peruvian avocado industry expects production to rise as much as 20 percent this season, with Chile and Argentina emerging as priority markets. Additionally, the strategy considers continued shipments to the United States and Europe, the Peruvian Association of Hass Avocado Producers and Exporters (ProHass) says.
While the association will confirm final volumes after natural fruit drop concludes between January and March, Prohass President José Antonio Castro tells FreshFruitPortal.com projections are on track.
“Last year, the March estimate presented less than one percent variation from final results, which demonstrates the robustness of the process,” he says.
Peruvian avocado sector looks to neighboring markets
ProHass says productivity gains stem mainly from improved agronomic management and production from small highland plantings led by small growers. With higher volumes anticipated, Castro says the Peruvian avocado industry must clearly define destination markets and support shipments with promotion and education efforts.
Chile and Argentina stand out as strategic regional outlets, according to the association, complementing established programs in the US and Europe. Chile, in particular, plays a central role in absorbing supplies when local production declines.
“It is a strategic and complementary market. Chilean per capita consumption has grown significantly thanks to the Peruvian supply, its more competitive prices and availability when local production declines,” Castro says.
To support that growth, ProHass plans to enhance coordination among exporters, importers, trade associations, and plant health authorities, with an emphasis on orderly early-season supply and quality standards. The group is also planning consumer-facing campaigns focused on the origin and seasonality of the Peruvian avocado crop.
“There are different perceptions in the Chilean market, and we believe it is time to tell the whole story: how it is produced, where it comes from, and how to demand quality,” Castro adds.
Argentina presents a different opportunity, ProHass says. While per capita consumption trails Chile, the country’s size, proximity to Peru, and improving economic conditions position it as a market with long-term potential.
“Argentina, together with Chile, could become a supply hub practically all year round,” Castro states.
ProHass views nearby South American markets as an advantage compared with more distant destinations.
“We are talking about up to 70 million consumers just one week away. Peru is the natural avocado pantry of the southern hemisphere for these markets,” Castro says.
Europe still leads shipments
Despite supplies moving down south, Europe and the United Kingdom remain the primary destination for Peruvian avocados. The Old Continent accounts for approximately 65 percent of exports, according to ProHass.
Within the region, the association continues to target Eastern Europe, where avocado consumption remains relatively low.
Castro explains ProHass has invested in long-term promotional efforts in those markets, modeled after campaigns in Italy and Germany that the association said are now delivering sustained growth.
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