The global avocado market continues to grow, and Brazil wants to play a stronger role in it. The country is focusing on increasing exports as well as domestic consumption to face climate and production challenges.
"Brazil has traditionally been a country of tropical avocados, but we are now expanding significantly with the Hass variety, mainly intended for export," stated Cecilia Whately, avocado grower at Carlini Avocado and vice-president of the Abacates do Brasil producers' association.
The association, which currently groups about 50 producers, focuses on three pillars: promoting domestic consumption, applying modern cultivation techniques to improve cultivation, and tapping into new export markets. "We are working with Abrafrutas and the government to accelerate access to new markets," Cecilia stated.
"In 2024, the sector exported 1,500 containers of avocados. However, we expect exports to drop to 1,000 containers in 2025, mainly due to weather issues. The intense heat affected the flowering, and we lost a lot of fruit. Despite this, we remain positive. There are new plantings in development, and things can improve if the weather cooperates," she said.
In the meantime, the focus has shifted to developing the domestic market in search of commercial stability and independence from the variability of external demand. "Brazil must increase its avocado consumption. That way we won't depend solely on the foreign market," she stated. To boost consumption, the association holds campaigns, such as Amo Abacate, via social media, gastronomic fairs, and nutrition events to promote new ways of consuming avocado. It focuses mainly on the Hass avocado in savoury dishes, such as salads and sandwiches.
The guild also focuses on sustainability and technical training. The "Avocado Academy" offers producers courses on planting techniques, pruning, climate management, and harvesting at the optimum point of maturity. "The idea is to improve quality from the field and to create a culture of responsible production," Cecilia stated.
"Prices in the local market have increased because of the decrease in supply. A kilo of tropical avocado now costs around $1.7 (10 reais) in the local market, while smaller sizes are marketed for around 4 reais. Export prices are around $2 per kilo, depending on the country of destination. The Hass avocado costs an average of $4.38 (25 reais) per kilo," she stated.
The association aims to add more producers, expand its promotional actions, and strengthen Hass avocado production in Brazil, improving volumes and quality. "Global avocado consumption continues to grow, and Brazil is following in the footsteps of countries that have already traveled that path. We want to be at their same level," she stated.
For further information, please contact
Cecilia Whately
Carlini Avocado
Tel: +55 14 99135 7226
Email: [email protected]
www.carliniavocado.com
Abacates do Brasil
Email: [email protected]
www.abacatesdobrasil.org.br