In recent years, avocados have become one of the most celebrated and in-demand fruits across the globe. Praised for their rich, creamy texture, distinct flavor, and incredible health benefits, avocados are now a staple in kitchens from Los Angeles to Tokyo and Paris to Cape Town. Whether it’s mashed on toast, blended into smoothies, or served as guacamole, the world just can’t seem to get enough of this trendy superfruit.
But have you ever wondered:
Where does the world get most of its avocados?
In this article, we’ll uncover the global avocado supply chain, highlight the countries that dominate global production, and explain how these nations meet the rising international demand for this sought-after fruit.
Global Avocado Consumption on the Rise
Over the past two decades, global avocado consumption has surged dramatically. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), global avocado production crossed 9.3 million metric tons in 2024, a figure that has more than doubled since 2000.
This rapid increase is largely driven by:
- Health trends promoting plant-based, heart-healthy foods
- The superfood movement
- Growing awareness of avocado’s nutritional benefits
- Social media’s love affair with avocado-based dishes
To meet this ever-growing demand, a few key producing countries have stepped up to supply the world.
The Largest Supplier: Mexico
When it comes to avocado production and exports, Mexico stands far ahead of the rest of the world. The country not only produces the most avocados globally but also exports the majority of them to international markets.
By the Numbers:
- Annual Production: Over 2.5 million metric tons
- Global Market Share: Around 33-35%
- Key Export Destinations: United States, Canada, Japan, China, European Union
Why Mexico Leads:
- Ideal tropical and subtropical climate
- Fertile volcanic soils, particularly in Michoacán, which accounts for over 80% of national production
- Year-round harvesting capability
- Advanced post-harvest handling and cold chain logistics
- Centuries of avocado farming expertise
Mexico’s Hass avocados — known for their creamy texture and rich, nutty flavor — are particularly prized in international markets. In fact, during the Super Bowl season alone, Mexico ships over 120,000 tons of avocados to the United States for guacamole lovers.
Other Major Avocado Suppliers
While Mexico is the undisputed leader, several other countries have grown into significant avocado exporters, helping to supply the world with this popular fruit.
Colombia
Annual Production: 980,000 metric tons
Exports: Primarily to Europe, United States, and the Middle East
Colombia has rapidly expanded its avocado farming sector, thanks to its rich Andean soils and diverse microclimates. The country’s ability to produce avocados year-round makes it a valuable supplier during Mexico’s off-peak seasons.
Peru
Annual Production: 800,000 metric tons
Exports: Europe, China, United States, Chile, Japan
Peru plays a vital role in the international avocado market by filling supply gaps during Mexico’s off-season. With its ideal coastal valleys and highland regions, Peru’s Hass avocados have earned a strong reputation for quality in global markets.
Chile
Annual Production: 230,000 metric tons
Exports: United States, China, Europe, South Korea
Chile has long been a key exporter of high-quality avocados, particularly to the United States and Europe. Its Mediterranean climate provides optimal growing conditions, and Chile has established a sophisticated export infrastructure to maintain fruit quality over long distances.
New Zealand
Annual Production: 45,000 metric tons
Exports: Australia, South Korea, Japan, Thailand
Though smaller in volume, New Zealand supplies premium avocados to neighboring markets in the Pacific, including Australia and several Asian countries.
Where Does the World Import Avocados From?
To understand where the world gets its avocados, it’s helpful to look at the major importing regions and their preferred suppliers.
United States
- Main Supplier: Mexico (accounts for over 80% of U.S. imports)
- Other suppliers: Peru, Chile, Colombia
The U.S. is the largest avocado importer globally, with annual imports exceeding 1 million metric tons.
European Union
- Main Suppliers: Peru, Colombia, Chile, Mexico
- Top importing nations: Netherlands (main distribution hub), Spain, France, Germany, UK
Europe has seen a rapid rise in avocado consumption, with annual imports reaching 750,000 metric tons.
Japan
- Main Supplier: Mexico
- Secondary suppliers: Peru, Chile, New Zealand
Japan favors Hass avocados for their rich taste and long shelf life, importing over 80,000 metric tons annually.
China
- Main Suppliers: Mexico, Peru, Chile
- Growing demand driven by health trends and the superfood movement
Though relatively new to avocado consumption, China’s import numbers have increased dramatically, with annual imports surpassing 50,000 metric tons.
Why Is Avocado Trade So Globalized?
Avocados are highly perishable, yet demand for them is year-round and global. This has led to the development of an international supply chain where different countries supply avocados in complementary seasons, ensuring continuous availability.
For example:
- Mexico supplies avocados year-round.
- Peru fills the market during Mexico’s off-season (May–September).
- Chile and New Zealand contribute during the Southern Hemisphere’s growing season (August–February).
- Colombia produces year-round due to its equatorial climate.
This coordinated global supply ensures that consumers in major markets like the U.S., Europe, and Asia enjoy fresh avocados no matter the time of year.
Global Avocado Production & Export Data (2024)
| Country | Annual Production (Metric Tons) | Major Export Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Mexico | 2.5+ million | USA, Canada, Japan, EU, China |
| Colombia | 980,000 | Europe, USA, Middle East |
| Peru | 800,000 | Europe, China, USA, Chile, Japan |
| Chile | 230,000 | USA, China, Europe, South Korea |
| New Zealand | 45,000 | Australia, South Korea, Japan |
(Source: FAO & Global Avocado Market Report 2024)
The Future of Global Avocado Supply
As global demand for avocados continues to surge, new producing nations like Kenya, South Africa, Dominican Republic, and Ethiopia are expanding their orchards and entering the export market.
Key industry trends include:
- Increased investment in organic and sustainable farming
- Advances in post-harvest storage technology
- Development of new export routes to Asian markets
These efforts aim to diversify the global avocado supply chain, reduce dependence on a few major suppliers, and keep up with the world’s insatiable appetite for this beloved superfruit.
Conclusion
So, where does the world get most of its avocados?
The clear answer is Mexico, which produces and exports more avocados than any other nation, followed by rising suppliers like Colombia, Peru, Chile, and New Zealand.
Together, these countries form a global network that ensures the steady, year-round supply of avocados to kitchens, cafés, and supermarkets across the world.
As avocados continue their rise as a health food icon, this international supply chain will only grow stronger, greener, and more dynamic — ensuring that creamy, nutrient-rich avocados remain available for everyone to enjoy.
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