Chilean avocado crop scores 10 percent production uptick, slashes previous record

Writing and reporting by Macarena Bravo | Lee esta noticia en español

The Chilean avocado industry is closing out a successful season. The Andean country produced 265,000 tons in 2025/26, a ten percent uptick over the 15-year production high scored in 2024/25. 

Local industry body Paltas de Chile confirmed the final count and highlighted a mix of favorable conditions, including favorable weather, improved grove management, and technological advances, as the main drivers.

Francisco Contardo, the entity's Executive President, celebrated the results, calling them a "confirmation that the sector has managed to achieve significant production volumes, even with diminishing acreage."

“This speaks of an industry that has been able to adapt, incorporate technology, and improve its practices to produce more and better,” the executive emphasized.

Chilean avocado continues to reign in Europe

Approximately 61 percent of the Chilean avocado crop left home for key global markets. Among them, Europe continues to account for the largest share, at 62 percent. Latin America (25 percent), Asia (10 percent), and North America (three percent) complete the destination roster.

Contardo stressed that the Andean country's avocados enjoy a reputation for high quality, traceability, and sustainable practices.

“That positioning has allowed us to maintain a strong presence in demanding markets such as Europe, continue to grow in Latin America, and explore new opportunities in destinations where Chilean avocados are increasingly valued,” he added.

Around 40 percent of the season's supplies (about 104,500 tons) remained in the domestic market, highlighting Chileans' preference for home-grown fruit. 

In 2024, per capita avocado consumption rose to nearly 20 lbs., up from 19 lbs. in 2024. This puts Chile as the second largest Hass avocado consumer in the world, only behind Mexico. 

*Photos are referential.

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