The Colombia Avocado Board says it experienced an increase of more than three times the total avocado volume shipped to the U.S. during the first semester of 2024 compared to the same period last year based. The board said it based these figures on a review of the Hass Avocado Board Volume Data Dashboard and Category Data Dashboard.
The Colombia Avocado Board said that, as avocado consumption continues to increase, the country’s growers have expanded acreage which has helped fuel this growth since its market entry in 2020. The board said it now has more than 400 certified orchards and 27 certified packing houses.
“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,” Manuel Michel, CAB managing director, said in a news release. “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 board said markets east of the Mississippi River are priority markets for Colombia avocados. Hass Avocado Board market category data shows unit sales growth in major cities including Miami (15.98%), Boston (14.12%), Louisville, Ky. (9.55%), Cincinnati (6.36%) and Baltimore/Washington D.C. (4.93%).
“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,” Ricardo Uribe, CAB chairman, said in the release. “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.”
