ORLANDO, FL - Considering the opportunities avocado presents at foodservice or retail, the striking demand for the fruit is clear no matter how you slice it. During the first semester of 2024, the Colombia Avocado Board (CAB) announced shipment increases of more than three times the total avocado volume shipped to the United States.

“This remarkable growth in demand for Colombian avocados in the U.S. highlights the improved quality and reliability of our produce and confidence in production,” remarked Manuel Michel, Managing Director. “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.”

The United States now is the world’s largest importer of avocados, a press release shared, as consumption has been steadily rising over the past 10 years. With this growing appetite, and the expansion of the Colombia acreage and maturity of Colombia trees since its market entry in 2020, producers, exporters, and importers continue to yield dividends.

“The unprecedented growth of Colombian avocados to the U.S. 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,” shared Ricardo Uribe, Chairman. “We are thrilled to see strong demand as more American consumers discover the exceptional quality and taste of our avocados. This is just the beginning of Colombia's role as a major player in the U.S. avocado market.”

An evaluation of the Hass Avocado Board market category data shows avocado unit sales growth in major cities, and exceptional growth in markets east of the Mississippi, such as Miami rising 15.98 percent, and Boston up 14.12 percent.

Colombia is a global avocado producer and exporter with expanded export opportunities due to the development of more than 400 certified orchards and 27 certified packing houses, the release added. Along with consistent annual rainfall, multiple ports providing access to global markets, a rich agricultural history, and priority on maintaining a sustainable ecosystem that benefits the environment and economic prosperity, the Colombia Avocado Board has proven to be an essential part of the growth and development of importer partners.

As this category experiences continued gains, ANUK will be here to report.