Colombian Hass avocado shipments surge in anticipation of Super Bowl

Overview of avocados from Colombia in the U.S. market, complemented by charts from Agronometrics. Original published on February 9, 2024.

Colombia avocados are a global leader in Hass avocado shipments with a growing presence in the U.S. over the last five years. That growth is highlighted by the shipment of 1,496 tons of Colombian Hass avocados to the U.S., a 56 percent year-over-year increase during the lead up to the Super Bowl.

Hass avocados play an integral role in the festivities surrounding the big game, as football fans traditionally enjoy and share snacks and dishes before, during and after the event. With the U.S. market being the main consumer of Hass avocados, Mexico has long been the leading supplier. That consistency is driving a steady increasing presence and year-round availability that is captivating consumers and buyers with exceptional flavor and quality that Colombia continues to match.  

Source: USDA Market News via Agronometrics.
(Agronometrics users can view this chart with live updates here)

“Colombian Hass avocados are exported to over 30 countries worldwide, including the U.S., and are recognized for their exceptional quality and flavor,” said Katheryn Mejía Vergel, executive director of the Corporation of Hass Avocado Producers & Exporters of Colombia, known as Corpohass. “Our industry also serves as a beacon of sustainability, embodying three key dimensions: improving the well-being and quality of life for those involved in the value chain, fostering economic growth and promoting responsible resource management.”

Those opportunities created by the Colombian avocado industry continue to yield opportunities across the country, flourishing across seven primary regions: Antioquia, Risaralda, Quindío, Caldas, Valle del Cauca, Huila and Tolima.

Hass avocado are currently the third-most-exported fruit in Colombia after bananas and plantains. At least 70 containers of Colombian Hass avocados will be sent to the United States between Jan. 22 and Feb. 18 to supply U.S. retailers and foodservice operators throughout the country.

In 2023, the Colombian Hass avocado industry achieved a remarkable 26.3 percent increase in the number of containers exported to various markets around the world. This growth is expected to continue in 2024 and beyond thanks to continued orchard development and maturity. The industry is working together as a team to continue positioning Colombia Hass avocados as a pinnacle of sustainability.

“Events such as the Super Bowl present a great opportunity for consumers to discover and enjoy the exceptional quality and flavor of Colombia Hass avocados,” said  Mejía Vergel. “It’s also a chance to share the inspiring stories and people behind avocados and highlight the Hass avocado industry’s role in advancing the sustainable development of our country.”

Corpohass projects that total exports of Colombian Hass avocado will increase by nearly 20 percent in 2024, which is equivalent to at least 147,244 tons of the fruit. This growth will further bolster stable employment, foster gender equality and enhance social well-being.

The News in Charts is a collection of stories from the industry complemented by charts from Agronometrics to help better tell their story.

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