dyton mupawaenda
Business Reporter
ZimTrade has partnered with Navaco Global, a local firm specialising in the supply of avocado oil, to drive initiatives that add value to raw avocados.
The initiative will see the two working together to promote initiatives for converting raw avocados into secondary products like oil for domestic and global markets.
Under the collaborative arrangement with the national trade and development and promotion body, Navaco Global has already integrated over 500 smallholder farmers into the avocado oil value chain.
The farmers are being assisted by ZimTrade to form cooperative clusters and have received training in organic farming practices.
Furthermore, certification initiatives are underway for growers in Chimanimani, Chipinge and Honde Valley, aiming to meet organic certification standards.
The training programmes focus on sustainable agricultural practices, including soil health and management.
Participants learn techniques that naturally enhance soil fertility such as crop rotation, green manure and composting.
This avoids synthetic fertilisers and promotes organic alternatives like animal manure, bone meal and bio-fertilisers.
The training programmes also involve eco-friendly pest control methods like preparation and use of organic pesticides made from locally available materials like neem oil, garlic and chili.
They also encompass integrated pest management (IPM) strategies emphasising effective control while minimising environmental impact.
“In collaboration with ZimTrade, Navaco Global has worked to integrate smallholder farmers into the avocado oil production value chain.
“As part of this initiative, over 500 farmers, whom ZimTrade is helping to form a cooperative cluster, have been trained in organic farming practices.
“Efforts are underway to certify grower groups in Chimanimani, Chipinge, and Honde Valley according to organic certification standards,” said ZimTrade in its monthly communique.
The global avocado market size was estimated to be around US$19,27 billion in 2024 and is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5,9 percent to reach US$34,8 billion by 2034.
In terms of regional market share, North America dominated the market with a share of 45 percent in 2022, while the Asia Pacific region is forecast to grow with a significant CAGR of 10.4 percent from 2023 to 2030.
The growth of the avocado market can be attributed to increasing consumer demand for healthy food options, rising awareness of the health benefits of avocados, and growing preferences for snacks offering nutritional benefits.
Avocado’s versatility and nutritional value make it a valuable crop worldwide.
Beyond their culinary uses, avocados also offer numerous health and wellness benefits as they are rich in healthy fats, fiber, and various essential vitamins and minerals, making them a nutritious addition to a balanced diet.
Avocado oil is also used in skin care products due to its moisturising and anti-inflammatory properties and can be used to nourish and moisturise hair.
Avocado oil is extracted and used in various industries, including food, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals.
It is also used in soap making due to its moisturising properties, and can even be used as a sustainable biofuel. Given its numerous uses, nutritional value, and potential industrial applications, the avocado is a valuable crop worldwide.
Online Reporter