The rise of Colombian avocados in the US

By Macarena Bravo |  Lee esta noticia en Español

You might be seeing more avocados from Colombia at the supermarket. Most of the Hass avocados sold in US stores come from California, but during the off-season, avocado imports fill the shelves to satisfy the American demand for year-round avocados.

Most of them come from Mexico, but since the US Department of Agriculture approved Hass avocado imports from Colombia in 2017, the country has slowly made a name for itself in the North American market.

According to a report by market data and insight firm Blue Book, avocado exports from Colombia to the US increased significantly this year.

This is a trade balance that CorpoHass aims to maintain in the medium term, the executive said.

Colombian avocados gain momentum

So far, avocado shipments to the US have increased by about 90 million pounds through October compared to last year. This growth is thanks to around 15,000 planted areas beginning to produce fruit, Mejía said.

Thanks partly to avocado suppliers and growers, such as Naturipe, investing early in the country after the 2017 decision, there are now 136,000 producing avocado acres, 100,000 of which are for export.

But, although this year has been a successful one and things are looking bright for the industry, the season has not come without its challenges. Mejía was clear that US tariffs have put pressure on prices, and that the industry has chosen to absorb part of the impact to avoid losing competitiveness.

“It has been a sacrifice for the entire value chain. But it’s a strategic investment because we want to strengthen our presence on the US East Coast and maintain the trust of North American consumers,” she explained.

The industry leader also highlighted that the “Avocados from Colombia” country-brand effort and promotional campaigns at international fairs have been key in boosting the fruit’s visibility in America.

To solidify its presence, the brand has focused on highlighting the country’s avocado market's positive attributes, such as year-round production, sustainability, and a flavor profile similar to the Mexican avocados, which she said is a trait highly valued by buyers.

Colombian avocado-derived products in the US

The industry leader also noted that, in recent years, production and exports of avocado-derived products, oil, purées, guacamole, and frozen avocado chunks have become increasingly popular in markets such as the US, Europe, and Asia.

“Avocado oil has been well received in the US and Europe, and frozen avocado is growing strongly in Asia,” she added.

This diversification, she stressed, is driven by the Colombian avocado industry's major focus on a value-added strategy to reduce reliance on traditional markets.

And progress is not slowing any time soon, CorpoHass is working to maintain its momentum, Mejía said. The organization is working with local companies and national banks to open new lines of credit for growers interested in investing in the sector.

Today, the Hass avocado industry is present in 17 departments and nearly 250 municipalities in the country. Antioquia accounts for 47 percent of the production, although regions such as Huila, Tolima, Valle del Cauca, and Santander are gaining ground.

Looking ahead, Mejía said the Colombian market will continue to strengthen its position in international markets as a sustainable, reliable, responsible, and competitive origin for avocados.

“We have a great opportunity to keep growing, but also a great responsibility to consumers and the planet,” she said. “Colombia can show that it’s possible to produce avocados sustainably and profitably.”

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