Peru has once again proven its prowess in the global avocado market by breaking its previous export records in 2024. In the first eight months of the year, the country exported 539,313 tons of avocados, valued at $1.129 billion, surpassing the 2023 record of 595,625 tons worth $958.9 million. This latest achievement also marks the highest-ever export value for Peruvian avocados, outpacing the previous record set in 2021 of $1.061 billion.
Peru’s growth in avocado exports is largely driven by five key regions: Lima, La Libertad, Ica, Lambayeque, and Ancash. These regions benefit from favorable climates and efficient agricultural practices, enabling high productivity and consistent avocado quality. The Hass variety dominates Peru’s avocado exports, making up 93% of the total, a testament to its global popularity due to its rich taste, long shelf life, and strong market demand.
The country’s success is not only attributed to increased production but also to strategic market expansion. The Netherlands, Spain, Chile, China, the UK, Russia, and South Korea are among Peru’s top export destinations. The European market, particularly the Netherlands and Spain, plays a crucial role in re-exporting avocados to other parts of Europe, making them pivotal trading hubs for Peruvian avocado producers. China and South Korea, relatively newer markets, have shown increasing demand for avocados as consumers there become more health-conscious and embrace avocados as a superfood.
Peru’s consistent growth in avocado exports has also positioned the country as the world’s second-largest avocado exporter, only behind Mexico. This status is the result of years of investment in the avocado industry, particularly in expanding farming areas and implementing modern agricultural technologies, such as precision farming and improved irrigation techniques. These advancements have allowed Peru to optimize water use, especially crucial in arid regions like Ica, which plays a vital role in the country’s avocado production.
However, meeting the growing global demand for avocados presents challenges, particularly in terms of sustainability. Water scarcity is a pressing concern in some of Peru’s key avocado-growing regions. To address this, many farms are adopting more efficient irrigation systems, including drip irrigation, which helps reduce water consumption while maintaining high yields. Additionally, there is a growing focus on ensuring that Peru’s avocado industry adheres to environmental and social responsibility standards, which is increasingly important for accessing premium markets in Europe and North America.
In the global avocado market, Peru’s role continues to grow as consumers in various regions seek out high-quality avocados year-round. This steady rise in demand is fueling not only higher exports but also greater investments in the country’s agricultural sector. Companies are increasingly focused on sustainable farming practices, ensuring that Peru can continue to expand its production capacity while protecting its natural resources.
Peru’s avocado industry is on a historic trajectory, with record-breaking exports in both volume and value in 2024. The country’s success is driven by strong agricultural practices, strategic market diversification, and a focus on sustainable production. As Peru continues to expand its avocado footprint globally, it remains a key player in meeting the rising demand for this nutrient-rich fruit, securing its position as a global agricultural powerhouse.
