Colombia's avocado industry soared in 2023 with a 104% increase in U.S. shipments, totaling 32 million pounds. Projections for 2024 anticipate a 50% rise, aiming for 50 million pounds. The industry boasts 400 growers and over a dozen packing sheds, with orchards growing from 150 to 488 in two years. The U.S. market, a key driver, is expected to grow 8-10% annually, promising continued expansion for Colombia's avocado sector.
2023 was a banner year for Colombia's avocado industry. In 2018, Colombian avocados gained access to the U.S. market, and in 2023, a record-breaking 32 million pounds were sold to American consumers, marking a 104% year-on-year increase from 2022
"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," according to Manuel Michel of the Colombia Avocado Board ("CAB").
CAB data shows there are now 400 growers and more than a dozen packing sheds certified to ship Hass avocados to the U.S. market. Since 2018, the industry has seen year-over-year growth in double and sometimes triple digits.
“We’re extremely excited about the growth we have experienced over the last two years and can’t wait to see where we are in the years to come... Our ability to ship directly to the US, one of the of the strongest avocado consumption markets in the world, is a great asset to Colombia avocado suppliers, but also an opportunity for American consumers as they have more supply choices to meet their growing demand," was the message from CAB's William Watson in 2023.
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Colombia benefits from year-round growing seasons due to the region's tropical climate permitting two harvest seasons each year. The traviesa season runs from April to August, and the main season from May to June.
In 2023, Colombia's shipments averaged 50 containers weekly to the U.S. during the traviesa season, with 2024 projections expected to be 50% higher, according to CAB.
Orchards are rapidly increasing in size and number throughout Colombia. In 2021, the country had 150 orchards producing around 6.5 million pounds of avocados. Two years later, in 2023, there were 488 orchards producing 25 million pounds of avocados.
The outlook for Colombia's avocado industry is promising. Projections indicate that shipments to the U.S. in 2024 will exceed 50 million pounds, marking a significant 56% increase from the previous year. With the U.S. demand for avocados expected to rise by 8-10% annually over the next five years, there's ample opportunity for the Colombian avocado industry to continue its expansion.
