Tapping into avocado production

Word From The Market

Tina Nleya

Avocado farming is gaining momentum in Zimbabwe, particularly in the Eastern Highlands, where the climate and soils favour high-quality fruit production.

While agriculture is often associated with field crops and livestock, horticulture — specifically avocado farming — is proving to be a lucrative avenue for farmers looking to diversify and increase their earnings.

The global demand for avocados has skyrocketed in recent years, presenting Zimbabwean farmers with a golden opportunity to tap into export markets and boost foreign currency earnings.

Rise of avocado farming in Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe’s avocado industry is on an upward trend, with production increasing significantly in the past decade.

Key avocado varieties grown in the country include Hass, Esther, Fortuna, Ryan and Gwen.

These varieties, particularly Hass, have strong international demand due to their superior taste, longer shelf life and adaptability to various climatic conditions.

It takes an average of three to four years for an avocado tree to start bearing fruit if planted as a young, grafted tree, while one grown from seed takes longer — typically five to 10 years.

Given this long maturation period, avocado farming requires patience and long-term planning, but the returns are worth the wait.

Farmers who invest in good agronomic practices and value addition can command premium prices in both local and export markets.

Zimbabwe’s position in the market

Zimbabwe has the potential to become a key player in the international avocado market.

Currently, leading avocado-producing African nations include Kenya, South Africa, Malawi, Cameroon and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Kenya, for example, has successfully penetrated the European and Middle Eastern markets, exporting over 80 000 tonnes annually.

Zimbabwe is following a similar path, with avocado exports growing steadily.

The Zimbabwe Avocado Growers Association (ZAGA) reported that the 2023 export season exceeded production estimates, with 5 180 tonnes of first-grade fruit shipped overseas and an additional 3 000 tonnes of second-grade fruit processed for oil extraction.

With an estimated 400 hectares of newly established plantations set to come into production, Zimbabwe could be exporting nearly 10 000 tonnes by 2025.

Recent reports indicate that Zimbabwe’s 2024 harvests were even higher, further positioning the country as a formidable player in global avocado trade.

The Government and the private sector have been working to expand avocado production, with more farmers receiving support through training, funding and access to export markets.

This projected increase in production is expected to attract more international buyers and create further opportunities for local farmers.

Opportunities

Demand for avocados continues to rise, particularly in Europe, China and the Middle East.

The European Union remains the largest consumer, with major importers such as the Netherlands, France, Spain and Germany driving demand.

The global avocado market was valued at over US$14 billion in 2024 and is expected to keep growing as health-conscious consumers increasingly incorporate avocados into their diets.

Zimbabwean farmers can benefit from export opportunities by aligning with international standards, such as GlobalGAP certification, which ensures compliance with food safety and sustainable farming practices.

Establishing strong trade relationships with European, Middle Eastern and Asian buyers will be key to maximising returns.

How farmers can tap into the market

Adopting best farming practices — To meet export standards, farmers should focus on quality production, ensuring proper spacing, fertilisation, irrigation, pruning and pest control.The recommended spacing of avocado trees is 5m x 5m, with each tree producing up to 500 fruits per season.

This translates to around 10 to 20 tonnes per hectare at full maturity.

Joining farmer cooperatives and associations — Working with organisations such as the ZAGA and the Agricultural Marketing Authority (AMA) can help smallholder farmers access training, technical support and collective bargaining power when negotiating prices with buyers.

Contract farming and value addition — Collaborating with agribusiness firms such as Tanganda Tea Company, which have successfully expanded into avocado production, ensures farmers have a ready market for their produce.

Additionally, processing avocados into value-added products such as avocado oil can significantly increase profitability.

Leveraging Government and private sector support — Government initiatives under the Horticulture Recovery and Growth Plan provide an enabling environment for avocado production and exports.

Farmers should also explore partnerships with private sector players that offer financing, market access and logistical support.

A bright future for farmers

Avocado farming represents a huge opportunity for Zimbabwe to earn foreign currency and create employment in rural areas.

With proper investment, collaboration and adherence to international standards, Zimbabwean farmers can position themselves as key players in the global avocado industry.

As the country moves towards achieving Vision 2030, horticulture, particularly avocado farming, will play a crucial role in boosting agricultural exports and transforming the rural economy.

As Zimbabwe gears up for a record avocado harvest, farmers must seize this moment to expand their production, improve quality standards and strengthen their participation in international trade.The time is now for Zimbabwean farmers to embrace this lucrative industry and take their pride of place in the global avocado market.

Word From the Market is a column produced by AMA to promote market-driven production. For more details on avocado markets, contact: [email protected]