An estimated 30 million pounds of Colombian avocados are projected to be shipped to the U.S. market in the fourth quarter of 2024, the Colombia Avocado Board announced at a 2024 annual meeting.
This new milestone for the fourth quarter follows a record-breaking summer traviesa season and highlights the strong upward trend in Colombian hass avocado export to the U.S., according to a news release. By the end of 2024, exports are projected to reach approximately 95 million pounds for the calendar year, up from the 30 million pounds reported by USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service in 2023.
Since gaining export approval in 2017 from the USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Services, Colombian hass avocado exports to the U.S. have experienced rapid growth, with double and triple-digit export volume increases each year, the release said. This growth is driven by new orchards reaching full production along with a strategic reallocation of the Colombia avocado supply from other global markets to meet the demand in the U.S., the Colombia Avocado Board said.
Colombia has nine avocado-growing regions and currently has approximately 29,000 acres of avocado orchards certified for the U.S. market. In addition, many Colombian growers have also made investments in third-party certifications including GlobalG.A.P. and Rainforest Alliance, the release said.
“Our mission is to supply the U.S. market with premium Colombia avocados,” said Manuel Michel, managing director for the Colombia Avocado Board. “With over 3,500 Colombian avocado producers, we’re proud to supply nutritious and flavorful avocados to American consumers. As U.S. demand for avocado continues to rise, we are committed to delivering high-quality fruit, while having a long-lasting and positive impact on the local communities and environment where we grow.”
Currently, avocados are Colombia’s third-largest fruit export, behind bananas and plantains, the release said. The industry supports nearly 240,000 jobs, providing year-round formal employment and economic benefits to individuals, families and communities across the country.
“As U.S. per capita consumption of fresh avocados increases every year, our goal is not only to meet but exceed consumer expectations at retail and beyond,” said Ricardo Uribe, chairman for the Colombia Avocado Board. “Consistent high quality, environmental and economic stewardship and social responsibility are at the heart of what we do. When consumers choose Colombian avocados, they are supporting a thriving industry that is helping to write a new chapter in Colombia’s history. Looking ahead, we expect 2025 to be another record-breaking year with volume expected to continue growing as we expand our market presence in the U.S.”
Colombia is a leading global avocado producer and exporter with a rapidly growing footprint, the release said. In addition to its expanding acreage in orchards, the country now has 30 certified packing houses that can export to the U.S.
The Colombia Avocado Board said the success of Colombia’s hass avocado industry is a direct result of its long history in agriculture, favorable climate with consistent rainfall, fertile lands at varied elevations and its rapidly expanding infrastructure, including improved seaports to streamline exports. The board said it has been a key driver in fostering partnerships between exporters, importers and buyers, ensuring the continued growth in demand for Colombia’s hass avocado program in the U.S.