Guatemala prepares its first avocado shipments to the US after approval of phytosanitary protocol

With more than 8,000 tons exported annually and an industry in full expansion, Guatemala is moving towards the definitive opening of the US market for its avocados, projecting the first shipments between October and December 2025.

Following the publication of the final rule by the United States in November 2024, Guatemala is entering the final stages of securing its entry into the competitive Hass avocado market. The Guatemalan Avocado Producers Association (Anaguacate), headed by Francis William Bruderer, has spearheaded this process, working alongside producers and authorities to ensure compliance with stringent phytosanitary protocols. Currently, the country exports between 8,000 and 9,000 tons annually to destinations such as Europe, Canada, South Korea, Central America, and the Caribbean, but the U.S. represents its greatest opportunity for expansion.

The Guatemalan avocado industry is young but promising. Although the country has the potential for 100,000 hectares, it currently has approximately 7,000 hectares planted, with 4,000 already in production. Projects are underway to double this area. The biggest challenge has been organizing producers around technical and agronomic standards, learning from leading examples such as Mexico, Chile, and Peru. The focus is on genetics, pruning, irrigation, and pest and disease management—key pillars for long-term sustainable production. Furthermore, certifications and compliance with international standards are being promoted to guarantee quality and consistency in shipments.

The first exports to the U.S. are expected between July and December 2025, following the validation of orchards and packing plants according to the protocol negotiated with the USDA. Bruderer projects that Guatemalan avocados could even be featured in the next Super Bowl. For Anaguacate, the crop represents not only an economic opportunity but also a concrete path to development for small and medium-sized farmers. With adequate technical support and access to financing, Guatemala is on track to become a key player in the avocado industry in the Western Hemisphere.

Source: portalfruticola.com