(Jimmy Carr voice) Ah, avocados, the hipster’s favorite fruit. You know, the one that’s so trendy, it’s almost as if they’re trying to make a fashion statement with their toast. (chuckles) “Oh, look at me, I’m eating avocado on toast, I must be a sophisticated, middle-class, City-boy wannabe!”
Anyway, enough about me and my toast, let’s get to the juicy stuff – Peru has become the main avocado exporter to China. Who’d have thought, right? Peru, the land of llamas and lost cities, now supplying the Chinese with the fruits of their labor… literally! (laughs)
According to this article, Peru shipped over 50,000 tons of avocados to China in 2023, a whopping 40% increase from the previous year. I guess that’s what they mean by “guac to the future”! (laughs) Sorry, I couldn’t resist.
Rowan Atkinson (as Mr. Bean) takes over: (in a silly voice) Ah, Peru, yes, a wonderful country! You see, I once went to Peru, and I found the most fantastic llamas. So fluffy! (in a silly accent) ” Ah, lamas so muy fantastico!” But I digress, the avocados, yes! (straightens up) So, the Hass variety is all the rage, I hear. Mmm… Hass avocados… Nom, nom, nom… (mimics eating an avocado)
(Ricky Gervais takes over) Ah, avocados, the symbol of middle-class pretension. “Oh, look, I’ve got an avocado tree in my garden, it’s organic, it’s artisanal, it’s gluten-free, and it’s been massaged by Tibetan monks”(sarcastically). No, seriously, folks, it’s just a bloody avocado. But, you know, if the Chinese are willing to pay top dollar for them, who am I to argue? I mean, they’re the ones who probably invented the phrase ” mash-up” – avocado mashed potatoes, anyone? (rolls his eyes)
(Lee Evans voice) Ah, this is bloody fantastic! You know, I was talking to a mate the other day, and he said, “Lee, have you seen the prices of avocados? It’s like they’re trying to sell us a kidney on the black market!” (laughs) But, you know, if Peru’s doing well out of it, good on ’em! (cheerfully) Maybe one day, we’ll have an avocado festival in the UK – can you imagine the crowds? Hipsters as far as the eye can see, all with their avocado-print t-shirts and artisanal aprons! (laughs) It’s like the Henley-on-Thames of the fruit world!
All four in unison: Bottom line, Peru’s avocado export game is on fire, and the Hass variety is king. So, if you’re an avocado aficionado or just someone who likes a bit of guacamole with their tacos, then you owe it to yourself to get your hands on some Peruvian booty – we mean, avocados, of course!
Peru Consolidates as China’s Primary Avocado Supplier
Peru has solidified its position as the leading exporter of avocados to China, shipping over 50,000 tons in 2023, representing a remarkable 40% increase compared to the previous year. This outstanding achievement enabled Peru to outpace competitors like Chile and Kenya, which secured market shares of 11% and 6.6%, respectively. The Hass avocado, celebrated for its exceptional quality and flavor, has captured the hearts of Chinese consumers, who increasingly value its nutritional properties and health benefits.
President Boluarte Highlights Commitment to Agriculture
President Dina Boluarte emphasized Peru’s dedication to developing its agricultural sector to meet growing international demand. "We are embracing cutting-edge technologies in agriculture to tackle the challenges of climate change and ensure the quality of our exports," she stated. These efforts aim to strengthen Peru’s position in key markets like China and guarantee the sustainability of production in an ever-changing global landscape.
Peru’s Avocado Exports Reach Record High
Peru has established itself as a leader in the Asian avocado market, with China accounting for 20% of the country’s total exports. This success can be attributed to the combination of its complementary seasonality with Mexico and its renowned quality in the global market. In 2023, Peruvian avocado exports reached a historical record, with over 539,000 tons sent to various destinations, generating revenue of $1,129 million.
Lima Region Leads National Production
The Lima region spearheads national avocado production, representing 30% of the exported volume, followed closely by La Libertad and Ica. The Hass avocado, comprising 93% of exports, remains a favorite among Chinese consumers.
Avocado Trade Strengthens Bilateral Relations
The trade of avocados between Peru and China has fortified bilateral trade relations, benefiting thousands of small Peruvian producers and catering to the growing demand of the Asian market. Juan Cerna Espinoza, director of Sedir, highlighted that this sector "is crucial to the Peruvian economy, enhancing the income of rural families and contributing to sustainable development."
Growth Potential for Peruvian Exports
Per capita consumption of avocado in Asia, at less than 0.05 kg, has immense growth potential. This presents opportunities for Peru to expand its market share, particularly in China, where imports have surged 112% over the past five years.
Regional Avocado Production in Peru
Several Peruvian regions stand out for their avocado production, including:
- La Libertad: Favored by favorable climate conditions and advanced irrigation systems, La Libertad is one of the largest avocado producers, primarily cultivating the Hass variety.
- Lima: The region boasts high production, especially in the Chillón River Valley and areas near Huaral and Cañete.
- Ica: Ica’s fertile soils and dry climate make it ideal for avocado production, mainly for export.
- Arequipa: This department significantly contributes to avocado production, with crops situated in valleys like Majes and Siguas.
- Cusco and Apurimac: Although on a smaller scale, these Andean regions also grow avocados, primarily for domestic consumption.
Key Highlights
- Peru Leads Avocado Exports to China: Peru solidified its position as the primary avocado exporter to China in 2023, shipping over 50,000 tons, representing a 40% increase compared to the previous year.
- Overcoming Competitors: Peru surpassed other exporters, such as Chile and Kenya, securing a significant market share.
- Hass Variety in High Demand: The Hass avocado has gained immense popularity in China due to its exceptional quality and flavor.
- Government Commitment to Agriculture: President Dina Boluarte emphasized Peru’s dedication to strengthening its agricultural sector, incorporating cutting-edge technologies, and ensuring the quality of exports.
- Economic Impact and Growth Potential: The avocado trade between Peru and China has strengthened bilateral relations, benefiting small Peruvian producers, and presents significant growth potential due to low per capita consumption in Asia.
