Peak avocado exports for the Columbian traviesa season is occurring and will continue to do so through June. However, the season takes place from April through August for the country, which is a global supplier of hass avocados, the Colombian Avocado Board reports.
Currently during the peak of this season, the U.S. market can expect arrivals of more than 50 containers a week of avocados from Colombia, with volume decreasing gradually over the course of the season, according to a news release.
The growth of the Colombian avocado market comes on the heels of continued year-over-year increases of double and triple digits and maturity of the Colombian growing regions. Today, more than a dozen packing sheds and more than 400 growers are certified to ship hass avocados to the U.S. market, the Colombia Avocado Board says.
Colombian avocados are available year-round and due to the region’s tropical climate and have varied blooms and harvest times with two distinct harvest seasons. The seasons include the traviesa season and the main season that runs September to January.
Colombia has produced and distributed avocados for decades, however, the growth and popularity of Colombian avocados has expanded due to access to U.S. market starting in 2018 along with expanding country infrastructure improvements, the Colombia Avocado Board said. “The 2023 season concluded with its highest shipment totals ever, exceeding 32 million pounds. For 2024, shipments are projected to increase by over 50%, reaching a total volume of 50 million pounds for the entire year.”