Colombia Avocado Board says triple-digit growth has been registered, with US demand a major contributing factor
The Colombia Avocado Board (CAB) has announced shipment increases of more than three times the total volume shipped to the US during the first semester of 2024, compared to the same period last year.
The growth was based on a review of the Hass Avocado Board (HAB) Volume Data Dashboard and Category Data Dashboard.
CAB pointed out that avocado consumption had been steadily climbing over the past decade, with the US now the world’s largest importer of the fruit.
This growing appetite for avocados, along with the expansion of Colombian acreage and maturity of its trees since market entry in 2020, continued to yield dividends for the country’s producers, exporters and importers, it noted.
“This remarkable growth in demand for Colombian avocados in the US highlights the improved quality and reliability of our produce and confidence in production,” said Manuel Michel, managing director of CAB.
“It also reflects the increasing consumer preference for avocados year-round, creating opportunities for more suppliers and we are proud that Colombia is starting to play a key role in meeting this demand.”
Markets east of the Mississippi continued to see ”exceptional growth” and were priority markets for Colombian avocados due to their market proximity, CAB confirmed.
Evaluation of the HAB market category data showed avocado unit sales growth in major US cities in the east like Miami (15.98 per cent), Boston (14.12 per cent), Louisville (9.55 per cent), Cincinnati (6.36 per cent), and Baltimore/Washington D.C. (4.93 per cent).
“The unprecedented growth of Colombian avocados to the US during the first semester of 2024 contributed to this increase and highlights the growing recognition of Colombian avocados as an important partner in avocado supply,” said Ricardo Uribe, chairman CAB.
“We are thrilled to see strong demand as more American consumers discover the exceptional quality and taste of our avocados,” he added. “This is just the beginning of Colombia’s role as a major player in the US avocado market.”
