Brazilian avocado campaign gains ground in Europe
The avocado sector in Brazil is experiencing rapid growth, driven by increasing demand from local buyers and international markets such as the Netherlands and Argentina.
In 2023, Brazil's avocado exports more than doubled, reaching 1,090 containers, according to data compiled in our report . This figure is more than five times the country's export volume in 2013.
In March, Brazil's 2024 export campaign saw a significant increase in volume destined for Europe. In that month alone, Brazil shipped 5,011 tons of avocados to the Netherlands, representing 40% of Brazil's avocado shipments during the first three months of the year. By week 14, Brazil had supplied nearly 8% of the European market.
The area under avocado cultivation in Brazil increased by 86% in a decade, reaching 7,753 hectares, according to the country's Ministry of Agriculture. This crop includes a variety of types such as Hass, Breda, Fortuna, and Quintal. While Hass has experienced remarkable international demand, varieties like Quintal enjoy strong local demand in Brazil.
In 2022, Brazil produced over 338,000 tons of avocados, with São Paulo supplying nearly 50% of the total. That year, the state also accounted for 90% of Brazil's avocado exports, approximately 784 containers.
The state of São Paulo leads avocado production in Brazil, with figures showing significant growth, according to the Brazilian Ministry of Agriculture. In 2023, the state produced 192,000 tons of avocados, nearly 50% of the national crop, representing an 8.54% increase over the previous year.
After the Netherlands, Argentina is Brazil's second-largest export market. From January to October 2023, Argentina received 31.5% of Brazil's avocado exports, amounting to more than 9,700 tons, according to the Ministry of Foreign Trade (Secex). So far this year, Argentina accounts for a quarter of Brazil's total avocado exports.
The country ranks seventh as a global avocado producer, between Indonesia and Vietnam, according to United Nations data.
Source: Fresh Fruit Portal and Avobook
