For millennia, the avocado has been part of Peru's agricultural and food identity. From the ancient Andean varieties to the modern export-oriented Hass, this fruit has evolved in diversity, technical management, and market value. Today, as Peru consolidates its position as a global avocado powerhouse, a strategic debate is also emerging: how can we ensure that small-scale avocado farmers actively participate in the growth of agricultural exports?

This article for AVOBOOK traces the history of avocado varieties in Peru, focusing on growth, productive inclusion, and sustainable opportunities for small producers.

Ancestral diversity: the roots of the Peruvian avocado

The indigenous cultures of Peru were already cultivating avocados more than 5,000 years ago, as evidenced by seeds found in Ancón, Caral, and Huaca Prieta. These avocados were native varieties adapted to various inter-Andean valleys. With smooth or shiny skin, intense flavor, and varying sizes, these fruits were an integral part of family farming systems.

During the following centuries, the Chavín, Moche, Nazca, and Inca civilizations continued the cultivation and domestication of these varieties. These were avocados adapted to the country's diverse agroecology, especially along the coast and in the highlands. The lowland rainforest, however, due to its humid climate, high temperatures, and associated diseases, was never suitable for this crop.

The Fuerte variety: a pioneer in the transition to commercialization

In the mid-20th century, the Fuerte variety, originating from Mexico and California, was introduced to Peru. This elongated avocado, with its thin green skin and buttery flavor, was adopted in many regions of the country due to its:

• Good organoleptic quality
• Adaptation to temperate climates
• Ease of grafting onto local rootstocks

The Fuerte avocado was, for decades, the dominant variety in the valleys of Huaral, Cañete, Arequipa, Ayacucho, Apurímac, Lambayeque, Piura, and Cajamarca. Although it did not achieve the same export success as the Hass due to its shorter post-harvest life, its presence allowed for the expansion of cultivation and laid the foundation for technical professionalization.

Even today, the Fuerte variety is cultivated by thousands of small producers, and represents an opportunity for local markets, transformation into derivatives (such as oils) and products with identity.

The Hass variety and the Peruvian agricultural export boom

Starting in the 1990s, with trade liberalization, investment in modern irrigation, and global demand, Peru focused on the Hass variety. Its rough skin, dark color, high oil content, and excellent post-harvest shelf life made it the preferred choice in the international market.

Today, Hass avocados account for over 95% of Peru's avocado exports. They are successfully cultivated in coastal valleys such as La Libertad, Ica, Lima, Arequipa, and Moquegua, thanks to a dry climate, free of frost and rain, ideal for flowering and ripening.

Regional diversity: Creole, Fuerte and Hass varieties are expanding

Although Hass dominates agricultural exports, Peru still retains valuable genetic and productive diversity in several regions, including Lambayeque and Piura, where avocado cultivation has seen significant development:

• Avocado from Olmos and Motupe (Lambayeque): With well-drained soils and access to modern irrigation, this area has become an emerging center for Hass and Fuerte avocado production. Many small farmers are adopting Hass grafts onto resistant native rootstocks, and partnerships have been established with exporting companies.
• Avocados from Morropón and Chulucanas (Piura): Creole and Fuerte varieties are cultivated, with a strong presence of family farming. The loamy soils and semi-arid climate allow for good fruit quality during certain periods of the year. There is potential for production diversification, access to certifications, and the development of products with a strong local identity.
• Fuerte Avocado: It continues to be cultivated in Huaral, Ayacucho, Cusco, Apurímac and Amazonas, where it stands out for its flavor and adaptation to the altitude.
• Black and Creole avocado : traditionally grown on the central coast and part of the lower highlands.
• Cloud forest avocado: In areas like Rodríguez de Mendoza, Chanchamayo, and La Convención, varieties adapted to temperate-humid climates are preserved. While not suitable for Hass production, they have a local market and potential for processed products.

A proposal for inclusion: that small-scale avocado farming also exports

Thousands of small-scale farmers cultivate avocados on plots smaller than 5 hectares. Many already grow Fuerte or Criolla varieties, and some are beginning to graft Hass. But still less than 15% of them have access to the international market.

What is needed to achieve true inclusion?

1. Association and Cooperativism

Productive organizations that add volume, quality control and negotiating power.

2. Technical assistance for export quality

Training in pruning, harvesting, post-harvest and integrated pest management.

3. Progressive and phased certification

Access to GlobalG.AP, Fair Trade and other standards adapted to small scale.

4. Productive public-private partnerships

Inclusive contracts with exporters that recognize the contribution of small farmers.

5. Added value with local varieties

Develop differentiated products from Fuerte or Criolla avocados: gourmet oils, cosmetics, purees and healthy snacks.

A future with more variety and more inclusion

Peru's export success should not be measured solely in volume or revenue, but also in the number of integrated producers, preserved genetic diversity, and value redistributed in rural areas.

From the ancestral Criollo avocado to the modern Hass, and including the resilient Fuerte, Peru's diverse varieties hold a wealth that has yet to be fully recognized or utilized. Integrating small-scale farmers into this agro-export success story is not just a possibility: it is a historic responsibility.

Alfonso Velasquez Tuesta, Agricultural Export Entrepreneur, Former Minister of Production , alfonsovt@procesadoraperu.com , Peru