The first shipments of avocados from South Africa have arrived in Rotterdam, marking the start of a new export season with a strategic focus on Europe. According to Derek Donkin , the impact of the conflict in the Middle East has been limited, as only a small fraction of South African production is destined for that region.

The real competitive landscape is emerging in the European market, where South African shipments coincide with the early arrival of fruit from Peru . Although the large volumes from the Peruvian coastal regions are not yet visible, projections point to a larger harvest than last year, which could intensify competition in the coming months. In 2025, Peru exported significantly more volume to Europe and the United Kingdom than South Africa, marking a significant gap between the two origins.

Despite having access to new markets such as Japan and India, exports to these destinations remain marginal. Cold treatment requirements in Japan and high tariffs in India have limited trade development, demonstrating that sanitary access does not always translate into real business opportunities.

In terms of production, weather conditions have been favorable for the South African growing season. Rainfall did not affect the crops, which are located mainly in higher elevations, and the cool, humid weather has favored the development of larger fruit. This is a positive factor for the sector, as there is currently strong demand for larger sizes in international markets, which could contribute to a commercially successful season.