The 2025-26 Chilean avocado season is shaping up to be stable and optimistic. With an estimated production of 240,000 tons and rising domestic consumption, the country is consolidating its productive maturity and reaffirming its regional leadership in sustainability. In a conversation with Avobook, Francisco Contardo Sfeir, executive president of the Chilean Avocado Committee, analyzes the sector's projections, the behavior of international markets, and the strengthening of the local market.

Chile is launching a new avocado season with a solid foundation and a scenario that combines production stability, commercial diversification, and sustainable progress. According to recent data from the Chilean Avocado Committee, the national industry will once again reach 240,000 tons of production, a figure comparable to the previous season's record, the highest in the last 15 years.

The country maintains a planted area of approximately 30,000 hectares, reflecting a stage of maturity in which yield increases are due more to technical and climate management than to territorial expansion. Meanwhile, domestic consumption continues to grow, reaching 8.6 kilos per capita annually, positioning Chile as the world's second-largest consumer of Hass avocados, second only to Mexico.

In an interview with Avobook, Francisco Contardo Sfeir provides a comprehensive view of the current state of the industry, export expectations, and the challenges posed by a more competitive global scenario.

Chile's harvest season begins: How is the harvest shaping up and what are the projections?

The 2025-26 season is shaping up to be positive, with production nearing 240,000 tons, a level virtually identical to the record of the previous cycle, which was the best in 15 years. This result confirms that the Chilean industry has reached a solid production floor, supported by more efficient agronomic management, somewhat more favorable weather conditions over the last two seasons, and a stable planted area of around 30,000 hectares. In a competitive global context, maintaining these volumes reflects the sector's maturity, resilience, and adaptability.

When will fruit shipments begin and how will the destinations be distributed?

Chilean avocado shipments typically begin between August and September, peaking in October and November. For this season, a distribution of destinations very similar to that of 2024-25 is expected. Europe will continue to lead with approximately 57% of exports, with the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, and Spain being the main destinations. Latin America will account for around 25%, with Argentina consolidating its position as the main regional partner. Asia and North America will represent approximately 9% and 8%, respectively, while Oceania will remain at around 1%. This diversification has been key to mitigating seasonality and maintaining a continuous presence in key markets.

What calibers will be available for Europe, the United States, and Asia?

According to recent export data from the Chilean Avocado Committee and information from ProChile and the Chilean Avocado Importers Association (CAIA), sizes 16 to 22 predominate in Europe, equivalent to the US standard of 40-48, highly valued for their balance between size and post-harvest life. In the United States, the most in-demand sizes are 48 and 60, associated with the retail and foodservice sectors. In Asia, on the other hand, consumers prefer larger sizes, 32-36, considered premium for their appearance and weight. This distribution reflects the degree of flexibility that Chilean producers have achieved, adapting their supply to the different demands of international markets.

Will they send more fruit to the United States to take advantage of good price opportunities?

The Avocado Committee does not market or export directly, but it does represent the producers and exporters that are part of the association. Therefore, the decision regarding destinations depends on each company and its commercial contracts. What we have observed is that, faced with potential price increases or lower volumes from other origins, marketers adjust their programs to take advantage of opportunities in the United States. In general, Chile maintains a diversified strategy, seeking a balance between markets and price stability.

How much market share do you expect to have in Europe, considering that there are now more competitors?

In Europe, the focus is on maintaining long-term relationships with established clients and programs. Even with the entry of new origins such as Morocco and Colombia, Chilean avocados remain synonymous with trust, thanks to their traceability, safety, and strict adherence to phytosanitary standards. We don't seek to compete on volume, but rather on consistency and quality, attributes that European buyers particularly value.

An industry with a sustainable vision and a strengthened domestic market

Last season marked a milestone for Chilean avocados: 240,000 tons were produced, the highest figure in 15 years. Almost half of that fruit—43%—remained in the country, reflecting very strong domestic demand, while the remaining 57% was exported to more than 40 countries.

Meanwhile, the industry continues to make progress in sustainability. Today, 100% of member farms measure their water consumption, 98% implement measures to reduce it, and more than 80% undertake social or community investment initiatives. These are concrete results of a roadmap initiated in 2020, which has positioned Chile as a global leader in sustainable production.

Furthermore, recent studies published by local universities highlight that the productivity of Chilean orchards is also boosted by the conservation of natural habitats and the presence of wild pollinators, reinforcing the environmental value of the crop. “Sustainability is no longer an added value, but a condition for accessing markets,” emphasizes Contardo Sfeir.

Chile remains among the leading avocado exporters in the Southern Hemisphere, with Europe as a key destination and a growing presence in Asia. Although the international environment is showing increased competition, the country is committed to differentiation through its efficient and responsible production model.

“More than growing in volume, our challenge is to consolidate efficient, responsible, and world-class production,” concludes Francisco Contardo Sfeir, emphasizing that Chilean avocados not only seek to maintain their commercial positioning, but also to reaffirm their commitment to the environment and the consumer.