In recent years, avocados have become increasingly popular worldwide due to their nutritional value and versatility in culinary applications. This growing demand has led to a surge in avocado production across several countries. We’ll explore the 10 biggest avocado producing countries globally, delving into the key points regarding their production processes, industries, and significant figures associated with each country’s avocado trade.
- Mexico: Mexico is the largest producer of avocados globally, accounting for about one-third of the world’s total production. The Michoacán region is the primary growing area, known for its ideal climate and fertile volcanic soil. The Hass avocado is the main variety cultivated in Mexico, with other smaller varieties produced as well. Key figures in the Mexican avocado industry include Alvaro Luque, President of Avocados From Mexico, and Ramón Paz, an advisor to the Mexican Association of Avocado Producers and Packers (APEAM).
- Dominican Republic: The Dominican Republic is the second-largest avocado producer in the world. The country grows various avocado types, with the most common being Semil, Choquette, and Carla varieties. The Dominican Republic’s favorable climate and diverse landscapes make it an ideal location for avocado farming. Notable individuals in the Dominican avocado industry include Francisco José Cabrera, president of the Dominican Avocado Cluster, and Rafael Bisonó, General Manager of Grupo Bisonó.
- Peru: Ranking third in global avocado production, Peru mainly cultivates the Hass variety. The coastal region, especially the La Libertad, Lima, and Ica areas, are major production zones. Peru has experienced significant growth in avocado exports, with the European Union and the United States being major markets. Gastón Barúa, President of the Peruvian Avocado Commission, and Daniel Bustamante, President of ProHass, are prominent figures in the Peruvian avocado industry.
- Indonesia: Indonesia is the fourth-largest producer of avocados, with the West Java region being the largest production center. The country grows various avocado varieties, including the local Butter and Simmonds types. The Indonesian avocado industry primarily serves the domestic market, with a growing interest in export markets. Key people in the Indonesian avocado industry include Mohamad Fadhil, Head of the Indonesian Fruit and Vegetable Exporters Association, and Umar Hidayat, an Indonesian avocado researcher.
- Colombia: Colombia ranks fifth in global avocado production, primarily cultivating the Hass variety. The country’s production mainly occurs in the Antioquia, Tolima, and Valle del Cauca regions. Colombian avocados are exported to various countries, including the United States and Europe. Important figures in the Colombian avocado industry include Jorge Enrique Restrepo, Executive Director of Corpohass, and Ricardo Uribe, General Manager of Cartama, a leading avocado exporter.
- Brazil: Brazil is the sixth-largest avocado producer globally, with the main production regions being São Paulo and Minas Gerais. The country predominantly grows the Hass and Fortuna varieties. Brazil’s avocado industry is mainly focused on the domestic market, but export initiatives have been increasing in recent years. Key figures in the Brazilian avocado industry include Lourival Ferreira Carmo, President of the Brazilian Hass Avocado Association, and João Moreira Salles, a Brazilian avocado producer.
- Kenya: Kenya ranks seventh in global avocado production, primarily growing the Hass and Fuerte varieties. The highlands of central Kenya provide ideal growing conditions for avocados. Kenya exports avocados to various countries, including the European Union and the Middle East. Notable people in the Kenyan avocado industry include James Mwangi, Managing Director of Selina Wamucii, a Kenyan fruit and vegetable exporter, and John Oroko, Co founder of Selina Wamucii.
- Chile: Chile is the eighth-largest avocado producer in the world, with the Valparaíso, Metropolitan, and Coquimbo regions being the primary growing areas. The Hass variety is predominantly cultivated in Chile, and the country has a strong export market, primarily to the United States and Europe. Notable figures in the Chilean avocado industry include Francisco Contardo, General Manager of the Chilean Avocado Committee, and Rodrigo Cruzat, President of the Chilean Hass Avocado Committee.
- South Africa: Ranking ninth in global avocado production, South Africa primarily cultivates the Hass, Fuerte, and Pinkerton varieties. The main production areas are Limpopo, Mpumalanga, and KwaZulu-Natal provinces. South Africa’s avocado industry exports to various countries, including the European Union and the Middle East. Key people in the South African avocado industry include Derek Donkin, CEO of the South African Avocado Growers’ Association, and Clive Garrett, Marketing Manager of ZZ2, a leading South African avocado producer.
- Israel: Israel is the tenth-largest avocado producer in the world, growing mainly the Hass, Ettinger, and Fuerte varieties. The country’s primary avocado growing areas are the Galilee, Coastal Plain, and Jordan Valley regions. Israel exports its avocados mainly to the European Union. Notable figures in the Israeli avocado industry include Yair Maimon, Chairman of the Israeli Avocado Growers Association, and Giora Simhoni, General Manager of Galilee Export, a leading Israeli fruit exporter.
The global demand for avocados has led to the growth and expansion of avocado production across various countries. From Mexico, the largest producer, to Israel, the tenth-largest producer, each country contributes significantly to satisfying the worldwide appetite for this nutritious fruit. The growth in the avocado industry has led to the emergence of key figures and organizations that play essential roles in the development, export, and marketing of avocados. As global demand continues to rise, these top avocado-producing countries will remain crucial players in the industry.