Honduras makes its first air shipment of avocados to Dubai
The main objective of the shipment is to diversify destinations and enhance its exportable offer.
Ing. Antonio Romero, Asistente técnico. Ing. Luis Morcillo, vocal . Ing Carlos Robleto , presidente de ASPAH
Wednesday, September 9, 2026
Marking a step forward in opening new markets for its avocados, Honduras is preparing its first shipment to Dubai, a milestone that also corresponds to the country's first air export, a departure that was scheduled for September 9.
Within the framework of the 2026-2036 National Hass Avocado Export Program, this operation stems from a partnership between the Honduran Avocado Producers Association (ASPAH) and Fresh Earth Produce (FEPSA). Currently, over 1,200 producers are participating in international training and certification programs under the Global GAP and Rainforest Alliance schemes.
The shipment represents a step forward in a process through which the industry seeks to advance its export capacity and expand the destinations for Honduran avocados. Simultaneously, work is also underway on certification, quality, and infrastructure to access international markets. Among ASPAH's long-standing objectives is the strengthening of national production and trade to boost exports.
A five-day air route
The logistics component of the pilot shipment involves a route from San Pedro Sula to Dubai, with stopovers in Panama and Paris. The flight will be coordinated with Kuehne + Nagel Honduras and operated by Air France Cargo.
The estimated flight transit time is five days. Additionally, the operation includes the availability of cold storage at the point of origin for up to six hours as part of the cold chain management.
In this way, air freight opens up a new avenue for Honduran avocado exports. Fresh Earth Produce also has prior experience in fruit and vegetable operations to the Middle East, knowledge that the company now seeks to apply to the development of the Hass avocado industry.
Quality and traceability to access new markets
The preparation of this shipment includes controls designed to meet the requirements of international markets. The avocados will be packaged under the joint brand ASPAH–Fresh Earth Produce and identified as “Avocado from Honduras,” in the Extra Fancy Quality category , with traceability of origin.
As part of these controls, individual weighings of representative samples and cuts will be made to verify the fruit's ripeness. The records reported so far include fruits weighing between 281 and 331 grams , following the Export Hass Avocado Quality Control Manual developed by FEPSA and ASPAH.
The training and certification process for producers also has the support of the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (SAG).
Honduran avocado growers want to strengthen their production
This increase in exports comes as Honduras works to strengthen its domestic production. According to the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock, approximately 1,200 producers are currently dedicated to avocado cultivation in different regions of the country. However, Honduras imports about 95% of the avocados it consumes, so the sector is simultaneously working to develop new opportunities for its producers and reduce its dependence on foreign imports for avocados.
Among the proposed actions is the opening of a packing plant in Comayagua , an infrastructure that ASPAH considers strategic for accessing international markets. The association is also working on certification processes and providing technical support to prepare producers for export requirements.
Honduras seeks a window into the international market
The opening to Dubai is part of a commercial strategy that is far from over after this first shipment. In April, Fernando Villatoro, CEO of Fresh Earth Produce, pointed out that the Honduran production window extends approximately from October to February, not coinciding with Peru's and with a partial overlap with Colombia's.
Villatoro also highlighted the predominance of medium sizes, which, from his perspective, could represent a great opportunity for Honduran fruit in European and Asian markets.
At that time, he identified the organization of the sector, agronomic management, compliance with residue requirements and the opening of markets among the main challenges to consolidate an export industry.
The planned shipment to Dubai now represents a concrete first step in that process. Its development will allow Honduras to gain experience on a new logistics route while it continues working on the necessary production, technical, and commercial conditions to expand the international presence of its Hass avocados.
