Global avocado imports continue to rise year after year. The average per capita consumption in the United States (US) is about 4kg while in Europe it stands at 1.5kg. Diverse sourcing regions are contributing to the expansion of the international avocado market. These regions also increase year-round availability of avocados.
The avocado market in Europe is thriving. Even though the Netherlands, France and Germany are a few of the biggest importers on the continent, Eastern European countries like Russia and Ukraine are catching up. On the other hand, Asia is slowly opening up to importing more avocado.
Uganda Avocado Export
Uganda is ramping up avocado production to meet growing demand. In 2023, Uganda shipped out nearly 7,300 tonnes of avocado. This is an increase of 150% from the previous year, a record high.
Over the last 10 years, avocado exports from Uganda have enjoyed steady growth. The highest jump in volume was recorded from 2022 to 2023 at 150%. The peak volume was in the year 2023 at 7289 tonnes.
Here is the export volume of avocados from Uganda between 2012 and 2023.
Avocados from Uganda are soaring in sales in overseas markets. Over the past decade, their export value has risen sharply. Uganda avocado exports were worth 977,000 US Dollars in 2012 and reached just above 5 million US Dollars in 2023.
The countries that import Ugandan avocado in bulk are:
- Qatar
- The European Union (EU)
- Oman
- Bahrain
- The United Arab Emirates (UAE)
- Saudi Arabia
The other countries that import Ugandan avocado in small volumes are:
- Belgium
- The United Kingdom (UK)
- Egypt
Avocado Uganda
Uganda is stepping up its drive to grow export volumes of avocado. The East African nation is sending more produce abroad so as to boost its market share. Moreover, Uganda is diversifying buyers for its avocado across Europe and Asia.
Nepal is the fastest growing market for Uganda avocado. Since 2018, the South Asian nation has increased its import volume from 63 tons to almost 245 tonnes. The import value has risen from 128,000 US Dollars to about 172,000 US Dollars in six years.
Russia is the other emerging destination for Ugandan avocado. Since 2019, the Eastern European nation has increased its import volume from 4 tons to almost 10 tonnes. The import value has risen from 11,000 US Dollars to about 30,000 US Dollars in just three years.
Avocado Production in Uganda
Uganda is able to produce quality avocados in good volumes due to its tropical climate. As a result, avocado farming in the country is expanding at a fast pace. In 2021, the government of Uganda launched a nationwide campaign by distributing avocado seedlings to farmers at a subsidized price. The National Agricultural Research Organization (NARO) then trains new avocado farmers.
Favorable rainfall and temperatures in Uganda give rise to delicious, creamy avocados. It has the potential to produce the fruit for a better part of the year. The Uganda Export Promotion Board (UEPB) is stressing the value offered by Ugandan avocados in promotional activities like international food trade shows.
Here is a top avocado exporter
Freshela Exporters
Freshela is a Kenyan based company that engages in the sourcing, processing and exporting of avocados and other fresh produce.
Freshela is a leading exporter of avocados. We source avocados from our company farm and partner farms.
We give competitive pricing to our customers and guarantee reliable delivery time.
We use a modern grading machine to achieve desired avocado weight. The fruit is also graded to eliminate any with physical quality defects.
We pack avocado fruit for both air and sea freights. All of our avocado packing is approved by FDA and is certified by HACCP Quality Assurance.