Increasing area of avocados in South Africa where an increase in exported volumes is expected

South Africa has experienced exceptional growth in avocado production in recent decades. The area of ​​avocados continues to increase and exports should record further growth for this 2020/21 season.

 

 

 

According to a USDA Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) report, South Africa's acreage devoted to avocados is estimated to increase by 5% to 17,386 hectares in MY 2020/21, compared to 16,573 hectares inthe 2019/20 campaign.

 

 

 

Despite this increase in area, the volume produced for this 2020/21 season should total only 130,000 tonnes. Or -2%. This decline is mainly attributed to the cyclical nature of avocado production. As professionals in the sector have adopted improved varieties for better yields, better water management and agricultural practices, production is expected to expand further in the future to meet growing export demand.

 

 

 

For this 2020/21 campaign, the export of avocados should reach 51,000 tonnes, i.e. + 8% compared to the 47,265 tonnes for the 2019/20 campaign. Europe, the main market with 92% of total exports for the 2019/20 campaign, should still remain at the top of the destinations. South Africa has started negotiating processes for market access to the United States, China, Japan and India. The country also wants to develop its exports to the Middle East.