The Avocado Brotherhood - an ever-increasing assembly of suppliers, retailers and food writers united by their love of the fruit - held its second annual reunion at one of London’s top restaurants last week.
The Chilean Hass Avocado Association (CHAA) founded the brotherhood in 2005 to celebrate the avocado at the beginning of the Chilean season.
According to the CHAA, the UK has become one of the fastest rising markets for the avocado in the world - up 20 per cent this year.
Addressing the brotherhood during an avocado-themed dinner at Quaglino’s restaurant, CHAA president Adolfo Ochagavia said UK shoppers spent £70 million avocados during the last year.
He attributed the growth to an increase in consumer awareness of the health benefits of avocadoes and the simplicity of preparing them.
However, with only one in four people in the UK eating an avocado per year, compared with the average Chilean eating 3kg a year, more publicity is needed, said Ochagavia.
Chilean Ambassador Rafael Moreno, also present at the dinner, said: “The UK is fast becoming a nation of avocado lovers, which makes me feel very at home. There is plenty to celebrate about one of Chile’s favourite fruit so I am extremely proud to be a member of the Avocado Brotherhood.”
