African avocado exports continue to grow impressively in 2024, with South Africa standing out as the main driver of this dynamic. Thanks to the boom in production in several African countries, the continent is confirming its place in the global avocado market, now representing a significant share of global exports of the fruit. In 2024, Africa increased its shipments by 16% compared to the previous year, cementing its key role in this booming industry.
Continued growth in African avocado exports
In 2024, Africa exported approximately 355,664 tonnes of avocados, compared to 306,997 tonnes in 2023, according to the latest FAO report on the tropical fruit market. This 16% growth demonstrates positive dynamics for African avocado producers, who are managing to meet increasing global demand.
One of the main drivers of this trend is Kenya, which remains the African leader in this sector. Although the country recorded a slight increase of 4% in its exports, reaching 130,000 tonnes, it was South Africa which saw the strongest growth this year, thus confirming its position as the second major player on the continent .
South Africa, a key player in global exports
South Africa recorded an exceptional performance in 2024, with 80,000 tonnes of avocados exported, an increase of 19% compared to the previous year. This growth is partly explained by a substitution phenomenon linked to the shortage of avocados in Peru, the world’s largest exporter of the fruit. Indeed, part of South African production, which would normally have been intended for local consumption, was redirected towards export markets to compensate for the drop in global supply. According to the FAO, this dynamic has enabled South African industry to strengthen its international presence.
Additionally, South Africa successfully diversified its export markets in 2024, starting to ship avocados to Japan, a promising Asian market. This expansion into new territories allows the country to reduce its dependence on the European market, which remains the main destination for African avocado exports.
-An industry in a context of global slowdown
However, despite the strong performance of South Africa and other African producers, the global avocado industry is experiencing a slowdown. The FAO estimated that global avocado exports grew by just 2% in 2024, reaching around 2.8 million tonnes. This marks a sharp decline from the 11% growth seen in 2023, highlighting the particular dynamics of the African market compared to the global trend.
Africa, pillar of growth in avocado exports
The boom in African avocado exports, and in particular the exceptional performance of South Africa, highlights the growth potential of this sector for the continent. With the increase in export volumes and the diversification of markets, particularly in Asia, Africa appears well positioned to continue to increase its market share in the global avocado industry. However, the decline in growth in global exports could harm the dynamics of the sector on a global scale, hence the importance for African producers to maintain their competitiveness and further diversify their outlets.
Moctar FICUU / VivAfrik
