Agronometrics Shorts: Biggest Avocado Crop in 15 Years for Chile

Chile’s avocado industry has recorded one of its strongest performances in recent history, harvesting 240,000 tonnes during the 2024/25 season. According to the Chilean Avocado Committee, this is the largest crop since the record-setting 290,000 tonnes of the 2009/10 season, and marks the second-highest total ever. Francisco Contardo, executive president of the Committee, said the impressive results significantly exceeded initial expectations, which had forecast a harvest of around 220,000 tonnes. The better-than-expected performance has been attributed to a mix of favourable weather, stronger fruit set, and the introduction of improved growing techniques and agricultural technologies. “These results are excellent news for the sector and reflect the economic impact of our industry, which generates more than US$700 million annually,” Contardo said in a statement. Out of the total harvested, 57 percent, about 136,000 tonnes, was exported. Europe received the largest share with 77,000 tonnes, accounting for 57 percent of the total shipment volume. Latin America followed with 34,000 tonnes or 25.1 percent, while Asia and North America received roughly 8.6 and 8.5 percent respectively. A smaller 0.8 percent was shipped to Oceania. The remaining 43 percent of production was sold on the domestic market, reinforcing the avocado’s status as a staple in the Chilean diet. Chile is currently the world’s second-largest consumer of Hass avocados per capita, with average annual consumption of 8.6 kilograms per person. Beyond the strong market performance, the industry’s leaders also highlighted its commitment to sustainability. Since 2020, the Chilean Avocado Committee has worked to implement a sustainable roadmap aligned with the United Nations’ 2030 Agenda. The plan promotes responsible agricultural practices that prioritize environmental protection, community well-being, and economic resilience. The 2024/25 season demonstrates that with the right mix of climate, technology, and sustainable practices, the avocado sector in Chile can continue to thrive both economically and environmentally.

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Written by Sarah Ilyas