Brazil projects exceeding 40,000 tons of avocado exports in 2026

Brazil is on track for one of its most significant avocado export seasons in recent years in 2026. According to data from the Brazilian Avocado Association (AAB), the country projects exporting over 40,000 tons by year's end, representing an increase of approximately 15,000 tons compared to the previous season, equivalent to a growth of nearly 35%.

According to partial records up to April, January began with 154.14 tons exported and an FOB value (value of the merchandise placed on board at the port of origin, before international transport) of US$ 297,505; February reached 798.48 tons for US$ 1,290,954; March rose to 7,422.70 tons with US$ 13,557,042; while April registered 16,821.794 tons and US$ 30,509,281 FOB.

The AAB points out that the peak months, especially May and June, are still to come, so the annual projection far exceeds the results of 2025 and 2024.

In 2025, Brazil closed with 24,983,715 tons exported and US$ 48,659,772 FOB, while in 2024 it reached 24,622,782 tons for US$ 36,228,718 FOB, figures considerably lower than the expectation for this year.

From a business perspective, Adilson Penariol, partner/director of AvoPrime Ftutas SA, explains that this growth is primarily due to a combination of production and climatic factors. He notes that during the last two harvests, many orchards fell far short of their potential due to adverse weather conditions, while the spring of 2025 brought abundant rainfall and temperatures within the normal range, creating ideal conditions for a recovery in production.

In addition, the incorporation of new production fields has further strengthened export availability for the current season. Penariol maintains that this combination has allowed Brazil to reach 2026 with a much more robust and competitive supply in the international market.

The exportable supply of Brazilian Hass avocados begins in February, peaks between April and June, and then gradually declines between July and September, when the main harvest ends. Although there may be intermediate blooms that generate secondary harvests, these volumes remain small.

In commercial terms, Brazil's main competitor remains Peru, since both harvests coincide with the peak fruit availability period. Penariol points out that this overlap forces Brazil to compete not on price, but on differentiated quality, especially in the European market.

Europe remains the primary destination for Brazilian Hass avocados. However, in the last three or four years, Argentina has gained prominence as a highly attractive market, driven by increasing consumption, logistical proximity, and positive reception of Brazilian fruit. Overland transport allows delivery in just two days, representing a significant competitive advantage for this market.

Chile also presents a new business opportunity. Following the recent opening of this market and given that it doesn't coincide with Brazil's main harvest season, it is emerging as an interesting alternative for further diversifying shipments.

Regarding market prioritization, Penariol explains that the decision depends on a combination of price, business opportunity, and logistics. Asia can offer attractive prices, although maritime transit times represent a significant limitation, making air freight an alternative. Europe maintains a good balance between price and logistics costs, while South America offers more economical freight rates, expanding consumption, and competitive prices.

However, growth also faces structural challenges. One of the main bottlenecks is the reduction in the number of packing plants available to process fruit, especially in the central region of São Paulo state, where much of the harvest is concentrated between March and June.

This situation primarily affects small and medium-sized independent producers, who face greater difficulties in marketing their fruit during peak production seasons, ultimately discouraging the expansion into new production areas. This is compounded by the geographical and climatic challenges of some production zones, where early harvests face high temperatures and late harvest areas are limited by topography.

With a record projection for 2026, Brazil seeks to consolidate itself as an increasingly relevant origin in the international trade of Hass avocados, taking advantage of new commercial opportunities and strengthening its presence in both Europe and South America.