Mexico's Jalisco production area is looking to expand its year-round exports to more than the current 30 countries they serve around the world. Eleazar Oceguera Aguayo, president of Jalisco's Avocado Industry body (APEAJAL), says they are set to grow exports by 5% this year (2024). "In part the increase responds to new orchards coming into full production, but this past year we have been working with USDA to include more orchards to export to the USA."
Jalisco's key export markets are Japan, Canada, EU and the US. They wish to grow exports in India, Korea, China, Malaysia as well as Chile. "This year we want to increase our participation in the national market, giving our products more visibility and offer better options," says Oceguera.
The two biggest sales dates for avocados in the US are the Super Bowl and 5 May (Cinco de Mayo). "We sent 15,227.84 tons for the Super Bowl, but right now, with the orchards approved by USDA we have very little fruit to send, only 500 tons per week. Next year with new growers entering the USA exportation program, we will have more fruit available for the 5 de mayo."
APEAJAL represents Jalisco's 3,200 avocado growers with 23 packing and exporting companies active in the region. "One of our objectives is to aid the avocado industry to become sustainable, so we carry out reforestation campaigns, we have our own forest fire fighting brigade, we promote continuous training in water efficiency and pesticide management, we work with national and international authorities to promote the opening of new markets, and to maintain the quality and safety certifications schemes demanded by the most strict markets," explains Oceguera.
Avocado production is growing in Africa with Kenya increasing production, is the increased competition and supply an issue for Jalisco. "It is good to have competition, Jalisco's avocado industry is accustomed to difficult markets. In addition, the distribution channels are poorly designed, when it should go everywhere, therefore we need to open more markets because there are countries that doesn't receive avocado or only for seasons. We are grateful countries like Kenya teach the population of other countries how to eat avocados, and open a window for us to export our fruit.
8th Jalisco Avocado Congress to be hosted
Every year APEAJAL hosts an avocado congress. In this event, to be held from 28 to 30 August 2024, they expect to host national and international speakers alike. "The 8th Jalisco Avocado Congress will attract more than 1,200 attendees from avocado orchards, packing houses, researchers, government and related industries. It will feature over 15 sessions, including keynote conferences and visits to orchards and packing houses, to showcase Jalisco's best practices in the production and packing of avocado, which has helped to make our industry one of Mexico's strongest and most reliable avocado producers. The commercial exhibition will host more than 100 companies," concludes Oceguera.
For more information:
Yanmei King Loeza
Jalisco's Avocado Industry body (APEAJAL)
Tel: +52 553 971 2700
Email: [email protected]