Some reasons why Mexico leads global avocado exports

In 2024, avocado production in Mexico was 2.67 million tons, which places Mexico as the world’s largest producer, as reported by Opportimes.

The following rank as the world’s largest avocado exporters in 2024 by value (including year-over-year growth): Mexico: $3.787B (20 percent), Peru: $1.248B (29 percent), Netherlands: $1.235B (14 percent), Spain: $463M (12 percent), Morocco: $315M (Not applicable, due to zero previous exports), Colombia: $310M (54 percent), Chile: $292M (19 percent), Israel: $260M (0 percent), South Africa: $205M (42 percent), and the United States: $177M (38 percent).

According to data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Mexican Ministry of Agriculture, Mexico is the leader in avocado production because of the following:

• The producing regions have a warm, sub-humid climate. Temperatures range between 20°C and 25°C, optimal conditions for growing the fruit.
• Michoacán, the main producing state, is located in the Trans-Mexican Volcanic Axis. This area offers fertile, well-drained soils, present in more than 80 percent of the cultivated areas.
• The orchards are located between 1,200 and 2,300 meters above sea level. This altitude allows for four overlapping flowering periods per year, ensuring consistent production.
• Thanks to the climate, altitude, and flowering cycles, Mexico can grow avocados in all seasons.
• The region receives an annual average of 163 cm of rainfall. Sixty-one percent of orchards depend on rainfall, and 39 percent use drip irrigation, an efficient and growing technique.
• The Ministry of Agriculture has maintained pest-free zone status in 88 municipalities and nine agroecological zones, covering more than 87 percent of the country’s avocado-cultivated area.