Avocados
A fruit that moved from niche to everyday staple, with global demand still running ahead of supply.
About Avocados
Across Europe, the United States and Australia, the avocado has shifted from an exotic fruit to a supermarket staple. Imports, mainly from Mexico and South America, fill the gap between what consumers want and what local growers can supply.
Hass dominates international trade for its long shelf life and dark, easy-to-read skin, while greenskin varieties extend the season. Plantations International develops and manages avocado orchards with drip irrigation, root-health management and harvest timing set by fruit maturity testing.
Ideal growing conditions
The site, soil and climate parameters our agronomists work to when developing a avocado plantation.
Young trees are damaged by frost
Drip irrigation through dry months
Very sensitive to waterlogging and root rot
Highland sites suit Hass in the tropics
Windbreaks protect fruit and flowers
Space for canopy light and machinery
What avocados are used for
Fresh fruit
Ripe-to-eat retail packs and foodservice.
Guacamole & dips
Chilled and high-pressure processed products.
Avocado oil
Cold-pressed cooking oil with a high smoke point.
Cosmetics
Oil used in skin and hair care.
Frozen & pulp
Frozen halves, chunks and purée for food makers.
Ingredients
Smoothies, ready meals and plant-based foods.
A market snapshot by region
Mexico supplies most of North America and much of the world, and expected a 25% larger harvest in the period covered. China agreed to accept Peruvian avocados after six years of negotiations, opening a major new destination.
Water is a growing constraint. California produces about 150,000 tonnes a year, but its acreage is shrinking because of water shortages. In Europe, prices rise sharply whenever weekly imports fall below about 4 million kg.
From nursery to harvest
- 1Months 0–12
Nursery
Rootstock raised and grafted with Hass or greenskin scions.
- 2Year 1
Planting
Trees set on well-drained rows or raised beds with drip lines.
- 3Years 1–3
Establishment
Canopy shaping, root-health care and windbreak growth.
- 4Years 3–4
First harvest
Early crops as the canopy fills out.
- 5Year 6 onward
Full production
Mature yields over several decades with good management.
How we manage avocados
Irrigation
Drip systems deliver steady moisture without waterlogging the root zone.
Root health
Raised beds and drainage protect against root rot.
Pollination
Mixing flowering types and hosting bees improves fruit set.
Harvest timing
Dry-matter testing confirms maturity before picking.
Avocados in the field
Avocados: common questions
How long until an avocado orchard produces fruit?
Grafted trees typically give their first crop around year 3–4, with yields building as the canopy matures.
Why is Hass the main export variety?
Hass travels and stores well, and its skin darkens as it ripens, which makes ripeness easy for shoppers to judge.
What are the main risks for avocado growers?
Frost, waterlogging and root rot, and water availability. Site selection and drip irrigation address most of these.
Where is demand growing fastest?
Europe, China and Australia all show strong growth, with supply gaps filled by South American imports.
Related crops
Develop a avocado plantation with us
Request a free initial consultation with our plantation development and management team.