The avocado market in Europe is expanding at a fast rate. Unlike in the past, all European Union (EU) member states now import the globally popular fruit. The EU or Europe is a significant market for avocado exporters due to rising incomes.
Zimbabwe is diversifying its export portfolio with Europe by including avocado. So as to boost its presence in the European avocado trade, Zimbabwe is working with multiple avocado importers. In addition, the southern African nation is marketing itself as a source of premium avocados. Consequently, avocado farmers in Zimbabwe are seeing their revenues grow while increasing consumer exposure to their produce.
Avocado Market in Europe
In 2023, Europe shipped in nearly 3,000 tons of avocado. It is a decrease of 32% from the previous year. Although the avocado market in Europe is dominated by Peru, Zimbabwe is the thirteenth largest supplier.
Here is the import volume of avocados from Zimbabwe in Europe between 2012 and 2023.
Avocados from Zimbabwe are fetching good prices in the European market. Over the past decade, their import value has risen sharply. Zimbabwe avocado exports were worth 1 million US Dollars in 2012 and reached about 8 million US Dollars in 2023.
The more Zimbabwe ships out avocado to Europe, the higher it gets from export earnings. The sharpest climb was from 2018 to 2019 at 76%. The peak value was in the year 2018 when it was nearly 12 million US Dollars.
Avocado in Europe
Europeans’ appetite for avocados shows no signs of being satisfied. The fruit’s creamy taste appeals to consumers of all ages. Besides that, the European market has room for various kinds of avocado from dark skin to green skin. Avocados in retail outlets and wholesale markets will become commonplace throughout Europe in the coming years.
The European countries that import Zimbabwe avocado in bulk are:
- The Netherlands
- Germany
- Poland
- Switzerland
- France
- The United Kingdom (UK)
Avocado Zimbabwe
Most of the avocado farmers in Zimbabwe grow their trees in a sustainable way. Their orchards are located in the rainiest area of the country. Chipinge region is covered by a sub-tropical climate due to its high altitude at 1,100m a.s.l. The average rainfall is over 1,000mm per year and temperatures can be as low as 15°C and as high as 25°C.
Avocado farms in Zimbabwe use low flow drip irrigation system during the dry months so as to save up on water. They also use very little or no chemicals to control weeds and pests. Their sustainability credentials continue to earn them Global G.A.P. certification.
Organic avocados are quickly becoming part of Zimbabwe’s production volume. The country is positioning itself to meet rising demand for chemical-free avocados from the retail and food service industries in Europe. What’s more, avocado exporters in Zimbabwe are aiming to achieve Organic Certification for the European market.
Export Avocado to Europe
Zimbabwe avocados are fairly priced. Transit time from Zimbabwe to European nations is shorter than from South American countries. Therefore, they attract new customers once they get to Europe.
Here is a top foreign exporter of Zimbabwe avocado
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.