Peru's leadership in the global fresh avocado trade is undisputed: the country ranks second in the world for exporters. But in parallel, a new line of business is gaining momentum and is emerging as a key tool for diversifying its agricultural offerings: frozen avocados.

Although it still represents a small fraction of national production—around 9%—this processed product opens up different opportunities than fresh fruit. The Hass variety is preferred for this purpose, as it better retains its qualities after the freezing process. Thanks to vacuum packaging systems and nitrogen injection, frozen avocados can be kept in perfect condition for up to two years, preserving their texture and flavor.

The category began to gain prominence in the 2018-2019 season, when export volumes increased by 66% compared to the previous season, according to Sofía Wong, commercial manager of Sunshine Export. Since then, the sector has faced ups and downs, with price competition and fluctuations in demand, especially after the pandemic, which affected the HORECA channel—hotels, restaurants, and catering—traditionally the largest buyer. Europe remains the main destination, accounting for more than half of shipments, although retail has been gaining ground as an alternative.

2025 marked a turning point. In mid-September, Shanghai received its first shipment of frozen avocado chunks from Peru, a 48-ton shipment of pulp produced in Lambayeque, La Libertad, and Áncash. According to the National Agrarian Health Service (SENASA), the fruit was inspected and certified in Piura before being shipped to China.

This milestone means much more than a one-off transaction: it represents the entry of a new Peruvian product into the competitive Asian market, known for its growing interest in superfoods.

The latest figures confirm that the business is consolidating. Fluctuante's report reveals that, between January and July 2025, frozen avocado exports reached US$58 million, equivalent to 20,000 tons. The jump compared to the same period of the previous year was remarkable: 51% more in value and 55% in volume. According to the report, this performance is due to the differentiated quality of Peruvian avocados, their rigorous compliance with international phytosanitary standards, and the growing conditions that favor regular, high-quality harvests.

Europe, once again, leads the way in export destinations. Belgium absorbed 19% of total exports and nearly doubled its purchases compared to 2014. The Netherlands and the United Kingdom complete the top three, with shares of 16% and 13%, respectively. However, the sector's attention is already turning towards Asia, where access to China promises to reshape trade strategy in the medium term.

Frozen avocados also offer a strategic advantage: they allow for the transformation of surplus production into a higher value-added product. They come in a variety of formats—cubes, slices, halves, and pulp—making it easy to serve both the domestic and industrial markets. Smaller packages, ranging from 100 grams to 1 kilo, predominate in retail, while the HORECA channel uses packages of up to 5 kilos.

However, challenges remain. FreshFruit, an economic analysis and foreign trade data firm, estimates that in 2025 Peru will export 546,000 tons of avocados worth over US$1 billion, but only 5% of that volume corresponds to the processed category. Added to this are the pressure of production costs, the need to expand freezing infrastructure, and the impacts of climate change, which are forcing producers to invest in efficient irrigation and improved agricultural practices.

Despite these challenges, the outlook is promising. PromPerú reports that, overall, frozen fruit exports grew steadily between 2020 and 2024, with an average annual increase of 2% in value and 4% in volume. This performance confirms that the frozen fruit market is a stable and expanding trend.

The challenge for Peruvian agribusiness will be to transform frozen avocados into more than just a complement to its fresh offerings. With technological innovation, international certifications, and a strategy focused on higher-value markets, the country has the potential to position itself as a key player in this segment. If successful, frozen avocados will not only expand Peru's export basket but also solidify its position as a leader in the provision of high-quality processed foods.