Latin American avocado boom: export opportunities to the European Union by 2025

Latin American avocado boom: export opportunities to the European Union by 2025

Introduction

If you grow Hass avocados in Latin America, 2025 is your year to conquer the European Union (EU). European per capita consumption rose from 1.6 kg in 2015 to 3.5 kg in 2024 and continues to grow, while local supply remains virtually non-existent. Below, you'll find the key figures, access requirements and a practical roadmap to position your brand on European shelves before the window of opportunity is saturated.

Overview of European demand

  • Record imports: the EU bought 973,000 tons of avocado in 2024, a year-on-year increase of 7% (Eurostat, 2025).
  • Market value: 3.26 billion euros in 2024, with an average CIF price of 3.15 €/kg (Tridge Market Update, Q1 2025).
  • Projection: Rabobank estimates that imports will exceed 1.2 million tons in 2027 (+6% CAGR 2025-2027).

2. Latin American dominance

  • Share: 86 % of avocados coming to the EU come from Latin America (ITC Trade Map, 2025).
  • Main suppliers 2024:
    • Peru: 289,000 t (30 % of EU total)
    • Mexico: 260 000 t (27 %)
    • Colombia: 122 000 t (13 %)
  • Star growth: Colombia grew 18% annually between 2020 and 2024, driven by GlobalG.A.P. certifications and new 13-day shipping routes to Rotterdam.

Sourcing and pricing windows

  • May-September: Peru and Colombia dominate supply, with FOB prices averaging US$2.40/kg (USDA AMS, 2025).
  • October-January: Mexico dominates the market, average FOB price of US$3.10/kg.
  • February-April: Chile and the Dominican Republic complement supply, but the lack of large gauges leaves a premium niche unattended (Fresh Plaza market observation, 2025).

4. EU market access requirements (updated 2025)

  • MRL: Regulation (EU) 2023/915 reduced the limit for imazalil to 0.05 mg/kg; lots exceeding this value are retained.
  • Digital traceability: as of January 2025, the TRACES NT system requires the phytosanitary certificate to be uploaded at origin for release in European ports.
  • Labeling: mandatory to indicate country of origin and mention "matured with ethylene" if applicable.
  • Sustainability: Dutch and German retailers are already asking for ISO 14067 verified carbon footprint by 2026 (Survey Retailers Europe, 2025).

5. Entry strategy in 5 steps

  • Step 1 - Pre-booking shipper: reserve space with controlled atmosphere (CA) carriers minimum 35 d before harvest to ensure transit ≤18 d.
  • Step 2 - Certifications: obtain GlobalG.A.P., GRASP and Rainforest Alliance; increase average destination value by 8-12% (Rabobank Benchmark, 2024).
  • Step 3 - Sustainable packaging: 4-kg recycled cardboard boxes with QR code traceability increase reorders 15% (Retail Feedback Group, 2025).
  • Step 4 - Consolidation in Rotterdam: use an importer with a ripening center if you want to enter with green product and mature on demand.
  • Step 5 - B2B Marketing: participate in Fruit Logistica 2026 and negotiate programs with chains such as Lidl or Carrefour under fixed price contracts.

6. Case Study: "VerdeAndes S.A.C." (Peru)

  • Exported 1 200 t in 2022; 4 500 t in 2024 (+275 %).
  • Implemented IoT sensors for temperature in containers; reduced shrinkage from 5 % to 1.8 %.
  • Achieved premium of €0.22/kg after validating carbon footprint with Carbon Trust.

7. How Sembrar.info can help you

At Sembrar.info we accompany more than 250 Latin American producers in their export process. We can:

  • Diagnose your EU compliance gaps.
  • Design your farm-to-port logistics plan.
  • Connect you with certified importers in the Netherlands, Spain and France.

Ready to ride the avocado boom? Request a free consultation here and start harvesting in euros.

References

  • Eurostat. "EU Trade in Avocados 2024 - Update 2025." Published: 14 Feb 2025.
  • ITC Trade Map. HS 080440, queries made on 20 Mar 2025.
  • Rabobank. "Global Avocado Outlook 2025-2027." Sector Report, October 2024.
  • Tridge. "Avocado Price Index - Europe Q1 2025."
  • USDA Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS). Avocado Shipping Point Price Reports, week 15-2025.
  • Regulation (EU) 2023/915 of the European Parliament and of the Council on Maximum Residue Levels.
  • Survey Retailers Europe 2025. "Carbon Footprint Requirements for Fresh Produce."
  • Fresh Plaza. "European Demand for Large Calibers Rises," 03 Apr 2025 issue.
  • Carbon Trust. "Case Study: VerdeAndes - Measuring Carbon in Avocado Supply Chains," 2024.
Homeour teamcontact us