Holy guacamole! COVID-19 pandemic increases avocado demand

South Africa produces around 120,000 tonnes of avocados. The Rainbow Nation is among the top 20 global producers of the fruit which were once a seasonal crop, that had a hefty price tag attached to it.

The rising demand for avocados results in year-round production

The fruit is now available for all 12 months of the year. Ian van Brouwershaven, a local engineer, stated that there is an increasing demand for avocados. SABC News reports that Van Brouwershaven explained that the demand is not dependent on prices. 

The technology that is currently available, allows for efficient sorting, packaging and delivery of the in-demand fruit.  

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“There are always different markets willing to pay premium prices. High-value markets are willing to pay the high prices and the lower value markets will take lower-quality fruits cheaper and the lowest end is processing where we can make guacamole or avo oil from spoilt fruit. There are a lot of technologies that can make you more energy efficient but we still rely on Eskom.”

Ian van Brouwershaven, SA engineer

South Africa’s history with the fruit’s production

According to a local body that focuses on avocado growing, the production of the fruit was traditionally concentrated in warm subtropical areas. These areas were both in Limpopo and Mpumalanga. Due to the increasing global demand and growing desire for year-round supply; production is expanding to other provinces

Avocado season in Mzansi starts in February and closes off around November. The majority of the fruit is harvested between March and September. 

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Between 1970 and 2003, the avocado industry within SA rose steadily. From 2003 to 2008, expansion slowed as the demand for avocados dwindled.

Where does South Africa’s production of avocado go?

The approximate five-year average annual avocado production is 125,000 tonnes. This substantial amount does not just occupy shelves in SA. 55% of this production is exported mainly to the United Kingdom and Europe. 

10% of the harvest is processed into oil and puree, while the remainder is domestically consumed. 

While South Africa’s avocado industry is mainly export-orientated, the local market plays a pivotal role due to the gradually increasing appetite for the ‘fad-fruit’.

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