Avocados, known as "green gold", have become one of Mexico's most important agricultural products, not only because of their domestic demand, but also because of their growing popularity in international markets. This year, Mexican avocado exports are poised to reach a new milestone: achieving historic growth in the competitive US market. This expansion, driven by the quality of the fruit and ideal growing conditions, marks a significant step forward for producers looking to increase their presence in North America.
The State of Mexico is the third largest producer of avocados in the country, and the Association of Avocado Producers and Exporters of the State of Mexico (APEAMEX), chaired by Manuel Cerda Morales, which has been in operation for 18 months, is executing the project for exports to reach the United States that was launched four years ago.
The association brings together 15 producers and packers who cultivate an area of approximately 1,000 hectares; however, in the State of Mexico there are between 14,000 and 16,000 hectares planted. By the end of 2024, exports are expected to reach between 5,000 and 6,000 tons, shipping fruit grown in close to 500 hectares proposed for certification by SENASICA and the USDA. In the short and medium term, the State of Mexico expects avocado exports from its already declared free zones to increase to between 30,000 and 35,000 tons; a significant achievement for the state, which has been working hard to enter the U.S. market. It has taken part for the first time in the Global Fresh Produce & Floral Show (IFPA) in Atlanta, Georgia, where it has made contact with North American customers.
"We have already exported to Europe, Canada and Asia, but this is our first year in the U.S. market," says Cerda Morales. The association expects approximately 300 to 500 containers to be shipped during the first year of exports to the United States, and between 1,500 and 2,000 containers within a couple of years, pushing the competitiveness of Mexican avocados in the region to new levels.
The company complies with international quality standards, which has allowed it to obtain key certifications such as GlobalG.A.P., SRRC and SMETA, essential to compete in highly demanding markets. "We work at similar altitudes as Michoacán and we have volcanic soil, which gives us an advantage in terms of fertility and year-round production," says the APEAMEX president.
One of the challenges faced by the association is the lack of certified packers in the State of Mexico, which forces them to deliver the fruit to Michoacán to be packed before export. However, Cerda Morales is confident that this challenge will soon be overcome, allowing the region to optimize its logistical operations.
"Mexico is a world leader in the production and export of avocados, and although some regions are affected by security and logistical issues, APEAMEX has managed to develop a solid infrastructure to ensure the efficient transport of its products. The main challenge in the U.S. market is the competition with Peru, which also exports large volumes of avocados. However, the association has the advantage of being present in the market in December, when the export season has not yet started in Peru," says Cerda Morales.
"Avocados are one of Mexico's main export products, and their impact on the economy is crucial. Moreover, current prices on the international market, which range between 50 and 55 Mexican pesos per kilo for the larger sizes, are very good for producers, despite the increase in input costs due to exchange rate fluctuations," says Cerda Morales.
For more information:
Manuel Cerda Morales
APEAMEX
Tel.: +52 452 526 1156
[email protected]
www.apeamex.mx