Barely started, the Lebanese avocado campaign, like the rest of agricultural exports, was abruptly halted due to the war raging in the south of the country. Two months later, at the end of November 2024, a ceasefire agreement was reached, albeit slowly implemented. Since then, Lebanese exporters have been pushing to relaunch the campaign. According to Hania Chahal, a Lebanese economist specializing in agro-industry, "The Lebanese avocado season is still not missed."
Hania reports on the toll when it comes to avocados: "In the avocado sector, large volumes were lost due to the impossibility for growers to access their orchards, particularly those located near the southern border. As a result, operations such as irrigation, harvesting, and packing were interrupted for long periods, resulting in the loss of up to 40% of the fruit. All is not lost, however, as the calendars for all varieties extend into May. The implementation of the ceasefire and the gradual presence of the Lebanese army in the region give us hope that the avocado season will be saved, as well as the next fruit campaigns such as stone fruit."
On the production front, the growers are managing to get by halfway despite the extreme conditions. On the other hand, exporting remains complicated. Logistics are not fully operational and customers have to be brought back. Nevertheless, Hania is confident.
"Air carriers have not yet restored flights to Lebanon, but the national carrier is still fully operational and we expect the rest of flights to return soon," Hania says. "The port of Beirut is also operational. Growers now have their own packing houses and can resume exports. Things are less convenient for those who don't, as they have to send their fruit to the post-harvest center, in Bekaa."
Marketing remains the main challenge. In October 2024, at the height of the war, Lebanese exporters canceled their participation in Fruit Attraction in Madrid for lack of visibility, and the Lebanese pavilion was shut down. At Fruit Logistica this month too, they didn't book their usual stands, although some came as visitors. For her part, Hania attended the fair as a visitor and tried to rekindle interest in Lebanese fruit. She says: "I saw that the demand is there, and it just needs a little time. For example, many Turkish importers want avocados from Lebanon for redistribution in Russia. Demand is also strong in the Gulf. We're working with exporters to get the export wheel moving again in the European market."
In early January 2025, the country saw a major development: Joseph Aoun was elected President of Lebanon, an office that had been vacant since 2022. A government and prime minister followed after a difficult gestation period. The news was greeted with great excitement by agribusiness players. Hania comments, "That's a critical turning point. International recognition will bring us more stability, more investments, and the implementation of awaiting reforms. We need more packing houses, and infrastructures to upgrade quality, drive varietal developments and obtain more certifications."
"For example, there's been a recent pick-up in social certifications that will open up important retail markets for Lebanese exporters, along with trials to expand production areas and adopt new varieties and products. While the ceasefire will enable us to regain our traditional markets, a stable and normal political environment is the way to develop the whole industry," Hania adds.
This development gives exporters hope for the reopening of the Saudi market, which they had been eagerly awaiting. The Saudi market used to absorb large volumes of Lebanese fresh produce but has banned imports from Lebanon in 2021. Hania admits, "We cannot pick up where we left off. Even after the appointment of a new government in Lebanon, and compliance with the demands of the Saudi authorities, Lebanese exporters will find that the Saudi market has grown considerably in the meantime. Standards there today are just as demanding as in the EU, with just as many certifications required to enter the retail market. Saudi Arabia has also made great strides in terms of local production, and it will be difficult to regain the same position we left in this market."
The economist concludes with the same note of optimism: "We are lucky to have the essentials: suitable microclimates, fertile land, an absence of phytosanitary problems, sufficient water, and competitive seasonality for several fruits such as avocados, grapes, and stone fruits. These are decisive assets. For the short term, I want to say that the Lebanese avocado season is here and running until May, with 50-60% of usual volumes available for export, premium fruit, and an exceptional taste in sizes 18-24/. The stone fruit season starts soon with excellent cherries."
For more information:
Hania Chahal
Tel: +961 30 428 72
Email: hania.chahal@gmail.com