While the US is the biggest market for Mexico’s avocados, it certainly isn’t the only one. Avocados from Mexico and their Mexican counterpart APEAM (Association of Producers and Exporter Packers of Mexico) have been actively working to expand the reach of Mexico’s avocados and grow their global presence and market share.
Record exports so far in 2020-2021 season
The Michoacán avocado season runs from July through June, so the 2020-2021 season started in July 2020. So far this season, the exports have been record-breaking. “Despite the pandemic, the export of avocados did not stop, so the season fortunately hasn’t seen any major setbacks,” APEAM comments. “During the second half of 2020, weeks 27-53, which was the first half of the current season, the volumes exported hit a record amount with 608,081 tons being exported globally. This represents an increase of 11.8% compared to the same period of 2019,” they add. The Association expects that that Mexico will exceed one million tons exported to the United States by the end of the season in June.
The Mexican avocados reach 34 countries across the globe, among which are: The United States, Canada, El Salvador, Honduras, Guatemala, Japan, Korea, China, Hong Kong, Singapore, Spain, France, Holland, Italy and Germany. “Out of these countries, Canada and Japan stand out because of their preference for Mexican avocados,” says APEAM. “Exports have continued to increase in almost all markets, except for China, which registered a slight decline due to the pandemic. While the demand from China was hit hard initially, it has now recovered at an accelerated pace compared with last season, and beyond,” they add.
In addition to the growing export markets, there has also been a growth in Mexico’s domestic markets. “Domestic promotion has started to increase avocado consumption in Mexico. The aim of this is to open another channel in the country itself,” states APEAM.
Pandemic: Challenges and opportunities
While the pandemic has brought challenges to everyone, according the APEAM, the avocado industry has gained a lot of opportunity from it as well. “On the one hand, the closures and limitations in the food service sector were very challenging. But, on the other hand, consumption at home increased significantly, motivated by the desire of consumers to eat healthily and to choose the best products such avocados from Mexico. The avocado’s flavor, versatility and health and immune benefits draw a lot of consumers. Avocados were finally able to be established as an everyday consumer product, rather than as an occasional or exotic product,” APEAM explains.
Looking toward the future, APEAM is positive that 2021 will be a good year for the avocado market. “Although the exports have been steady through the second part of 2020, the value of the avocado was impacted by the situation. For the second part of the season, however, which runs from week 1 through week 26, it is expected that with the application of the vaccine, the food service channel will return to normal and that this will recover the value of the fruit,” APEAM states.
“With the hope of a closer solution to the pandemic, the future could not be more promising for Avocados From Mexico. Once the restaurant and public food service industry reopen their doors, they will find a public more than willing to find avocados from Mexico on their menus, because they are used to consuming them at home. Obviously, there will be more product offerings from different origins, but we are convinced that the brand image, quality, and availability throughout the year of Avocados From Mexico will allow them to continue to be the origin of preference for consumers, chefs, and health enthusiasts around the world,” APEAM concludes.
For more information:
APEAM
Tel: +52 (452) 503 3000
Email: oficina@apeamac.com
www.apeamac.com