Peru expects to increase avocado exports in the 2025 season. According to some exporters and marketers, this increase has been driven by a greater recruitment of producers than by a real increase in production. At the same time, new consumption trends and opportunities for derivative products are emerging.
Mariano Bustamante, general manager of Añay Peruvian Fruits, said his company, which exported 300 containers of avocado last year, plans to export 450 containers this season. "We're not producers. Our growth is based on trust and transparent relations with growers all over Peru," he stated. This network allows for an extensive season, from week 4 to week 36, with a peak in March.
In terms of destinations, Añay divides its strategy into two stages. Up to week 16, 60% of shipments went to Europe, 30% to Asia, and 10% to other destinations, such as the UK and Latin America. From April onwards, 45% is sent to Europe, 30% to Asia, and 25% to other destinations, including the United States, despite the 10% base tariff.
Internationally, the U.S. market is receiving more Peruvian avocados despite the 10% base tariff. Mexico, with zero tariffs, still dominates the market due to its geographical proximity and consistent quality. However, Peruvian avocado is beginning to recover ground: "Mexican avocado prices have been so high that Peruvian avocado is becoming competitive, even with tariffs," Bustamante stated.
"Peruvian exports to the United States have registered remarkable growth: 175 containers were shipped at the end of week 18, compared to 38 in the same period last year. Exports to this market have also increased because we needed to relieve pressure in traditional markets such as Europe, which are increasingly sensitive to oversupply," he said.
One of the biggest challenges today is logistics. "We have had delays of up to two weeks in Europe. Quality has been maintained, but unpredictability complicates business planning," Bustamante stressed. Freight rates to Europe remain high, adding pressure to margins. In contrast, shipments to Asia have more manageable costs. Freight rates to Japan can also vary, but the fixed price paid for the fruit provides stability and helps cushion the commercial risk.
The opening of the port of Chancay, which has reduced transit times to China from more than 30 days to only 23, has played an important role this season. "Before, quality arguments were used as an excuse. Now, with faster arrivals, the market has to be more transparent when they don't pay fair prices," he stated.
Global avocado consumption continues to rise, as this fruit is considered a superfood due to its nutritional profile. "We see growth in Asia, especially in China. In Europe, some countries are growing faster than others. Demand in the U.S. is historic," Bustamante stated. Even the discarded fruit has found its place: "The market for avocado oil is growing strongly. There are already companies that process discards, and the prices are competitive compared to the frozen product."
Añay has a five-year plan to reach 1,200 containers, but with controlled growth. "We would rather tell a producer that we won't work this year than lose control of volume or quality. Traceability and direct supervision of the fields are essential to ensure results," he said.
For more information:
Mariano Bustamante
Añay Peruvian Fruits
Tel.: +51 998 376 776
Email: [email protected]
www.aperufv.com