As part of the project to convert traditional crops to other crops that have a higher added value, avocado production in Jalisco increased in the last five years (from 2012 to 2017) by 325%, from 40,000 tons to 170,000 tons at the end of last year.
In the same period of time the production value went from 494.7 million pesos to 2,540 million pesos, according to the head of the Secretariat of Rural Development (Seder), Hector Padilla Gutierrez.
According to the official of the entity, Jalisco's avocado exports went from 31 million dollars in 2012 to 212 million of dollars in 2017.
"There was a 584% increase in the value of exports. In 2012, the avocado was exported to six countries. Now we are reaching 25 countries in the world," said Seder, who highlighted that the avocado was the fifth most exported food product in the state of Jalisco, after berries, tequila, tomato, and confectionery.
Certification
According to the secretary of the state of Jalisco, in order to guarantee the sector's growth, producers must comply with health management and the application of safety standards, which has led to an increase in the certification of avocado orchards. He said that in 2012 only 2,200 hectares in Jalisco were certified, but that at the end of 2017 there were 14,065 hectares certified.
According to statistics from the Association of Exporters of Avocado of Jalisco, in 2017 the state exported 90,000 tons of fruit and it is expected to export 110,000 tons in 2018.
Currently, Canada is the main international market for avocado from Jalisco, with 35% of the total exports. It is followed by the European countries of France, Spain, the Netherlands, England, and Belgium, which together account for 30% of purchases, Japan, with 25%, and Central and South America, the Middle East, and Hong Kong, which account for the remaining ten percent.
Latin American Congress
Producers and authorities announced that the sixth Latin American Avocado Congress would be held in Guadalajara on August 29 and 30, and not in Zapotlan el Grande, where the previous editions were held.
The event is expected to be attended by 800 producers from 11 states of the country, as well as by producers from abroad.
Source: eleconomista.com.mx