Ecuador's position in the global avocado market has taken a strategic turn thanks to three key pillars: production windows, fruit quality, and certifications. Firstly, the production windows extend from September to June, allowing the country to compete strategically at key moments in international markets. Secondly, the country's climate contributes to top-quality fruit, and finally, the implementation of international certifications is strengthening Ecuador's export offerings.

The first window, between early September and October, offers five to eight crucial weeks to supply primarily the European, Russian, and Middle Eastern markets. During this period, Ecuador benefits from less competition, as major nearby producers, such as Israel and Morocco, are in the early stages of their harvests. This positions Ecuadorian avocados as an attractive, high-quality option. The second period, which runs from January to June, is particularly important because it allows for supplying key markets for eight to twelve weeks, when the main sources do not have full production availability.

Ecuador's ability to maintain a year-round market presence is due to its three flowering periods. The first, during harvest time, between September and December, is influenced by the country's geography and varying altitudes, ranging from 1,400 to 2,400 meters above sea level. This range allows for production at different times depending on the location and specific conditions.

The second flowering, the most robust and established, is harvested from late December to April. During this period, Ecuador faces less competition and manages to place a greater quantity of fruit in international markets.

Finally, the third flowering, known locally as the "crazy one," takes place between May and August. Although its production is lower, it allows the local market to be met and potentially the North American market to be supplied.

Climate challenges and productive advances

The El Niño phenomenon has been a recurring challenge for Ecuadorian producers. Intense rains on the coast and drought in the highlands negatively impacted the 2023-2024 growing season, especially during November 2023 and March 2024. However, the sector has shown resilience and adaptation by implementing strategies to mitigate these effects.

The key factors in this adaptation have been improvements in plant nutrition, phytosanitary management, and progress toward certification and the professionalization of agricultural practices. In Ecuador, the implementation of certified integrated management systems has begun, both individually and in groups. By the beginning of 2025, more than 20 production units had achieved Global GAP certification under the new version 6.0. It is estimated that by the end of the year, a similar number of farms will be certified under the same standard, representing unprecedented growth for this crop in the country. This demonstrates the commitment of members of the value chain to refine their management practices and gradually prepare themselves to become a relevant player in international markets.

This approach not only improves production processes but also ensures higher quality fruit, with more uniform sizes and conditions that meet international food safety standards. Continuous learning and the adaptation of techniques used in countries like Peru and Colombia have also been essential to adapting to Ecuador's specific conditions.

Looking ahead, Ecuador is preparing for the 2025-2026 season with optimism, based on the continuous improvement of its agricultural practices and a sustained effort to consolidate its position in the global market. The combination of well-defined production windows, advances in productivity, and international certifications positions Ecuadorian avocados as an attractive product for international demand.

Santiago Pinto, Ecuador spinto@interanza.com