Westfalia Fruit celebrates first South African avocado shipment to India

Leading avocado supplier, Westfalia Fruit, has announced the arrival of its first-ever container of South African Hass avocados in India on 22 October. The milestone marks a significant achievement in the company’s export efforts and the broader South African avocado industry which has been awaiting the finalisation of a phytosanitary agreement following gaining access in May 2024. 

“We are thrilled to celebrate the arrival of our first shipment of South African Hass avocados to the India market,” said Zac Bard, business development executive at Westfalia Fruit. “This achievement highlights our dedication to expanding our global footprint and delivering top-quality produce to new markets. We look forward to establishing a strong presence in India and strengthening the ties between our two countries.” 

South Africa is coming to the end of the 2024 supply season; however, Bard said it was important for Westfalia to test the waters before a full launch next year.  

“This shipment allows Westfalia Fruit to ensure that we land a quality product in the market, that complies with the requirements set out in the import protocol for India,” he said. “We can then confidently scale up shipments in the 2025 season with a solid campaign that can support the growing consumption in India.” 

India is a rapidly growing fruit market which offers significant opportunities for South Africa, particularly during the April to October period, according to Westfalia. The geographical proximity of Africa to India provides South African avocados a competitive advantage over Latin American origins, which face longer transit times. East Africa, which has faced logistical challenges with shipping to Europe due to the Suez Canal closure, and Kenya and Tanzania are increasingly focusing their efforts on eastern markets which will ensure that there is sufficient supply from all African sources to meet growing demand in the Middle East, India and Far Eastern markets, according to the company. 

While India is currently a much smaller avocado market compared to Europe, it holds immense potential for growth, according to Westfalia. The company said it is committed to leveraging this opportunity to further solidify South Africa’s position in the global avocado market, ensuring a steady supply of premium-quality avocados to Indian consumers.  

“This first shipment to India marks an exciting new chapter for Westfalia as we continue to broaden our global presence,” said Ajay TG, general manager at Westfalia Fruit India. “India’s growing interest in avocados presents a significant opportunity, and we are eager to build strong partnerships within the market. With our focus on quality and sustainability, we look forward to playing a role in meeting the rising demand for avocados in India.”