Peru’s Hass avocado exports set to slip as markets shift

Writing and reporting by Macarena Bravo

Peru’s Hass avocado season is seemingly ending on a sour note. Shipments are projected to fall nearly two percent from last year, reversing an initial forecast for six percent growth. 

Concentrated supply, quality concerns, and shifting demand are expected to reshape the export landscape, according to Arturo Medina, general manager of industry body ProHass.

As part of  Fluctuante’s 2026 Avocado Campaign Wrap-Up webinar, the executive said Peru currently operates over 207,000 acres of Hass avocado production, making it the world’s second-largest avocado exporter behind Mexico.

Europe: Peru’s Hass avocado sector’s key partner

The Old World continues to absorb the largest share of Peru’s Hass avocado exports, accounting for approximately 67 percent of total shipments.

“Peru competes with Peru,” Medina said, referring to periods when large volumes of the country’s fruit reach the market at the same time. He noted that shipping fruit too early or lowering quality can pressure prices and affect the reputation of Peruvian avocados.

Image by MIDAGRI

Italy has emerged as a growth market, Medina said: “Italian importers went from acquiring Peruvian avocados primarily through third-party distribution hubs to importing containers directly.”

Chile also remains an important destination. “Per capita avocado consumption in Chile reaches approximately 19.6 pounds, compared to 11.7 pounds in Peru, highlighting the strong potential of that destination,” he said.

Peru’s Hass avocado shipments to the United States, however, fell approximately 36 percent year-on-year. The executive attributed the decline to greater availability of Mexican and California avocados, as well as previous instances in which US buyers received Peruvian fruit that did not meet quality expectations.

Asian shipments increased nearly six percent overall, with China as the largest destination despite a two percent decline in volume this season.

Japan posted six percent growth, while South Korea increased nearly 41 percent. Thailand recorded a 76 percent increase, although from a smaller volume base.

Dry matter content remains a concern

Medina emphasized dry matter as a critical measure for determining harvest timing and supporting proper ripening. He said 22 percent dry matter provides an important baseline for a positive consumer experience. However, this season's weather conditions have put growers in a difficult position. 

“El Niño caused high variability in dry matter levels within specific lots and, early in the season, led to a higher proportion of smaller fruit sizes,” Medina said.

Image by MIDAGRI

As a result, a significant share of the fruit shipped to Europe was smaller, while growers left larger fruit on the trees for several additional weeks to reach the required dry matter levels.

Efforts to grow consumption

Peru’s Hass avocado has also increased its focus on promotion as exporters work to build demand across established and emerging markets. The sector allocated approximately $3 million to promotional activities this year.

ProHass participates in regional promotional programs designed to increase avocado consumption and strengthen the fruit’s market presence.

The association has also expanded promotional efforts into Asia and Peru’s domestic market, where the organization sees additional room to grow demand.

*Main image is referential via Shutterstock.

The second edition of the Global Avocado Summit will be held on November 11, 2026, at the Monticello Casino Events Center in Santiago, Chile. Organized by Paltas de Chile and Yentzen Group, the meeting seeks to bring together the main players in a growing industry

The event has established itself as a key space for addressing commercial and sustainability issues in the industry, bringing together producers, exporters, buyers, certifiers, and innovators to analyze the sector’s challenges and opportunities.

For more info, contact events@yentzengroup.com

Related stories

Peru's Hass avocado exports hit 60 percent milestone amid season adjustments