In Taiwan, the demand for domestically grown avocados has seen a notable increase, with the Tainan District Agricultural Research and Extension Station reporting a significant rise in both plantation area and output over the last five years. According to the station, the acreage and yield of domestic avocados have both doubled, with the annual production reaching 22,378 metric tons in 2023, up from 10,366 metric tons in 2019. The cultivation area expanded to 2,060 hectares from 1,100 hectares within the same period.
The shift towards avocado cultivation among citrus farmers has been driven by growing consumer demand. Domestic avocados have started to occupy more shelf space in supermarkets, challenging imported varieties that are smaller and costlier. Despite the preference for the richer taste of imported avocados, which benefit from a longer growing season, Taiwan continues to focus on early-growing varieties. These varieties are favoured for their quicker market readiness and adaptability to local conditions, despite the potential for higher-quality avocados that could compete with imports like the "Choquette" and "Hall" varieties. These, however, are susceptible to typhoon damage due to their longer growing periods.
Source: taiwannews.com.tw