Bangkok, Thailand

Avocados

Avocado Consumption is Rapidly Expanding in Europe & Asia

​Avocados have long been associated with Mexico having originated in South Central Mexico approximately 12,000 years ago. ​Since their introduction to the commercial market in the 1990’s, the fruit that was once deemed exotic has now become one of the most highly demanded fruit in the world.

Avocados are more than for guacamole now, as they are becoming the breakfast choice of health enthusiasts and a typical part of many Western diets. Avocados are rich in potassium and fiber, loaded with heart healthy monounsaturated fatty acids and protein. An avocado contains approximately 2.3% protein on a fresh-weight basis, which is between two and 10 times more than other fleshy fruits and vegetables.

​Avocado oil has also recently caught on in food preparation and more importantly the cosmetic industry as well, where it is valued for its regenerative and moisturizing properties. Brands such as The Body Shop, Kiehls, Origins and Sephora have all released avocado infused products such as creams, masks and hair products. Total demand globally is expected to continue rapidly expanding as Western health conscious consumers implement avocados more into their diets, and Asian consumers become more familiar with avocados and their benefits.

WORLD TRADE

  • Avocado global trade reached a record high of 2 million MT in 2018.

  • Domestic consumption in Avocado producing countries is high with only 34% of production currently being exported overseas.

  • Avocado consumption has increased immensely across Europe and Asia in the past five years. In Europe, imports by the Netherlands, Spain and Germany have increased 114% on average since 2015. While in Asia, exports to China, Hong Kong and Korea have surged 350% on average.

  • Production is dominated by countries in the Americas. Mexico, the Dominican Republic and Peru account for over half of world production. Mexico alone exports over USD 2 billion p.a. worth of avocados.

  • Mexico consumes more than 8 KG (19 LB) of Avocado's per person or three times more than western Avocado loving countries such as the U.S and Australia.

  • The U.S is the largest importer of avocados in the world, with consumption soaring year on year for the past 15 years. Americans consume over 20 billion lbs of avocados p.a. more than double the amount consumed in 2005.