The big growth story for Colombian avocados to the U.S.

Colombian avocado exports to the U.S. are on the move.

USDA trade statistics indicate U.S. imports of Colombian avocados reached nearly $48 million in 2022, up from less than $8 million in 2021.

U.S. imports of Colombian avocados were approved in 2017 and first shipments began in 2018.

“The phenomenal growth of the Colombia avocado market is astounding,” said Manuel Michel, managing director of the Colombia Avocado Board. “The last 12 months have been good for Colombian avocados in the U.S. as more buyers are becoming familiar with our fruit as they expand their resource options."

With more than 400 approved orchards, Michel said Colombian avocado export volumes to the U.S. continue to increase. In the fiscal year ending in June, exporters moved over 31 million pounds of fruit to the U.S., up from less than 1 million pounds in 2019.

“Late summer and fall is traditionally the 'traviesa' season, which is currently in peak production and buyers should be seeing plenty of Colombian fruit in the market,” he said.

Colombia offers a compelling advantage with expedited arrivals to the east coast in just four to five days, he said.

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Demand growth

Michel said there is “no doubt” that avocado consumption continues to grow.

“New consumers to super users continue to find more ways to eat and use avocados,” he said. “We are excited to be bringing Colombia avocados to the U.S. market at a time that demand is on the rise and appears to have no limits. This is a great time for Colombia to be able to offer retailers customized programs that meet their category objectives.”

The Colombia Avocado Board has many merchandising display tools available for retailers at no cost, Michel said. That set of tools includes bins, secondary displays and signage to help retailers support in-store programs, he said. The display materials help highlight the spectacular landscapes of Colombia and great flavor of hass avocados that consumers have come to love.

“We have customizable retail promotions for every retailer,” Michel said. “We can work to help facilitate programs that help grow both the Colombia avocado program and the retailer’s avocado category. There is not a one-size-fits-all plan, and we will work with every buyer to find a program that optimizes their needs through promotional funding."

Related: California avocados continue with customized promotions through Labor Day