Avocado exports from Tanzania have experienced a 74% increase, rising from 15,432 tons in 2021 to 26,826 tons in 2023, with ongoing data compilation for 2024 by the Tanzania Horticultural Association (TAHA). Dr. Jacqueline Mkindi, TAHA CEO, highlighted at the avocado stakeholders' conference that avocado exports generated $44.3 million in 2021, escalating to $77.3 million in 2023.
TAHA anticipates avocado production to reach 195,000 tons in 2023, with exports estimated at 31,950 tons for the 2023/2024 season. Dr. Mkindi noted the global avocado market's growth from $2.39 billion in 2013 to $7.3 billion in 2023, with Tanzania's production increasing annually by 20% over five years.
Europe, India, and the Middle East are the primary markets for Tanzanian avocados, with China, South Africa, and Kenya comprising the remaining sales. The conference, organized by TAHA and the Ministry of Agriculture through COPRA, emphasized strategic investments and global demand positioning Tanzania's avocado industry as a key player.
TAHA initiatives, including farmer training, market access facilitation, and logistics through TAHA Fresh, are pivotal. The Horticultural Exports Acceleration Program (HEAP) targets the UK, and new offices in Europe and the UK streamline market access. By 2030, TAHA projects the horticultural sector could exceed $2 billion in export value, with avocados potentially contributing $714 million by 2030/31.
Investments in new value chains and partnerships with entities like Westphalia and HL Hall & Sons aim to capture market shares in India and China. Dr. Irine Madeje of COPRA attributes production increases to new markets and infrastructure enhancements, including avocado oil factories and packaging facilities, which boost yields significantly.
Source: The Guardian