South African avocado growers are set to start the new year with a range of new market options, which is just in time, as the country is expecting an increase in yield in 2024. Last year saw 18,5 million 4-kg cartons exported. Since much of the crop sold on local markets is done so informally, these figures are not available and the industry measures its size based on exports, which is estimated to make up 50% of the total.
Avocado production in South Africa has steadily increased by 27% over the last 15 years. Exports have increased by 40% over the last 20 years, with 63% of the crop destined for the Netherlands, followed by Ukraine and Russia.
Last year, both the Chinese and Japanese markets opened for South African avocados, with the first shipments due this year. According to Derek Donkin, CEO of Subtrop, the alternate bearing trees having an ‘on’ year in 2024, and more trees coming into production would result in a bigger crop. In the local market, avocado consumption has been increasing, but future consumption could be curtailed by economic pressure on consumers.
Source: farmersweekly.co.za