Mexican avocado production to decline in the campaign 2021/22

According to a recent GAIN report from USDA, in the campaign 2021/22 (from July to June) avocado production in Mexico will reach 2.33 million tons, which is 8% lower than in the previous year.

The decline is explained by reduced tree productivity. The growers say that trees need to recover after record productivity in the 2020/21 season. Besides, insufficient precipitation and high temperatures are likely to reduce yields and production. Planted and harvested areas are projected at 227.126 ha and 225.910 ha respectively, with a domestic yield of 10.30 tons per hectare. 

Mexico remains the leading world producer of avocado and accounts for 30% of total production. Cultivated area continues to increase year over year (3% annually), due to increased international demand and high profitability. 

The country produces 3 varieties of this fruit, with Hass accounting for 97% of total, and Criollo and Fuerte accounting for the remaining 3%.

Producing regions

Michoacán is the main producing state in Mexico, with 75% of domestic production and 81% of total production value.  This is the only state that has phytosanitary authorizations to export to the U.S. and which supplies approximately 85% of the production. For the campaign 2021/22 Michoacan’s production forecast is 1.78 million tons, which is 9% lower than the previous year, with an estimated planted area of 167.401 hectares, and yields forecasted at 10.64 tons per hectare. 

Jalisco is the second important avocado producing state with more than 3.100 growers who produce 250.000 tons year-round. The planted area in the 2021/22 season is forecasted at 21.414 hectares, 2% higher than the previous year. 

Export

In the campaign 2021/22, Mexico is projected to export 1.33 million tons, 8% lower than the previous year due to lower production. Exports to the U.S. are estimated at 1.04 million tons. 

Global demand for Mexican avocados continues to increase, and producers without access to the U.S. market seek for international markets with higher profitability than the local market. 

In this connection, Jalisco exported 26% more volume in 2020/21 than the previous year, mainly to Canada, Japan, Spain and France.

Asides from the fresh avocado, Mexico exports frozen avocado puree, a by-product with a shelf life of 8 to 10 months.

source: fas.usda.gov