Colombia’s expanding avocado industry gains momentum in the U.S. market as quality improvements and increasing consumer demand fuel significant shipment growth, particularly in eastern regions.

The Colombian avocado industry has seen a significant surge in exports to the United States, with shipments during the first half of 2024 more than tripling compared to the same period in 2023, according to recent data from the Hass Avocado Board (HAB).

This growth underscores Colombia’s rapidly expanding role in the global avocado market, particularly in the U.S., where avocado consumption has been steadily rising for over a decade. The United States is now the world’s largest importer of avocados, and Colombia’s increasing production capacity is poised to meet the growing demand.

This remarkable increase in Colombian avocado shipments is largely attributed to several factors, including the expanding acreage and maturing avocado trees in Colombia since their market debut in 2020. These developments have boosted the production quality and reliability of Colombian avocados, which is reflected in the growing confidence from both consumers and importers.

According to Manuel Michel, managing director of the Colombia Avocado Board (CAB), “This remarkable growth in demand for Colombian avocados in the U.S. highlights the improved quality and reliability of our produce and confidence in production.” Michel added that the increasing consumer preference for avocados throughout the year has opened up new opportunities for suppliers, with Colombia starting to play a key role in satisfying this demand.

The eastern regions of the United States, particularly those east of the Mississippi River, have become key markets for Colombian avocados due to their proximity and the strong demand observed there. The HAB market category data reveals notable sales growth in cities such as Miami (15.98%), Boston (14.12%), Louisville (9.55%), Cincinnati (6.36%), and the Baltimore/Washington D.C. area (4.93%). These markets have emerged as priority targets for Colombian exporters as they continue to expand their presence in the U.S. market.

Ricardo Uribe, Chairman of the CAB, emphasized the significance of this growth in positioning Colombian avocados as a prominent player in the U.S. market. “The unprecedented growth of Colombian avocados to the U.S. during the first semester of 2024 contributed to this increase and highlights the growing recognition of Colombian avocados as an important partner in avocado supply,” Uribe said. He also expressed optimism about the future, noting, “We are thrilled to see strong demand as more American consumers discover the exceptional quality and taste of our avocados. This is just the beginning of Colombia’s role as a major player in the U.S. avocado market.”

Colombia’s ability to expand its avocado exports stems from its well-established agricultural infrastructure, which includes more than 400 certified orchards and 27 certified packing houses. Additionally, Colombia benefits from consistent annual rainfall and access to multiple ports that facilitate entry into global markets. The country’s rich agricultural history and commitment to maintaining a sustainable ecosystem are further advantages that enhance its export capabilities.

CAB continues to play a crucial role in supporting the growth and development of the Colombian avocado industry, fostering relationships with importer partners and ensuring the long-term success of Colombia’s presence in international markets. For those interested in exploring business opportunities or learning more about promotional programs and availability, CAB encourages buyers to visit avocadoscolombia.com.

This rapid expansion in the Colombian avocado industry signals a broader trend in global agriculture, where countries with favorable growing conditions and sustainable practices are becoming key suppliers to markets with growing consumer demand. As Colombia solidifies its role in the U.S. avocado market, it is clear that this growth is just the beginning of a new era for Colombian produce on the world stage.