South African Avocados Poised for Record Year as Shipments Begin to Europe and UK

(3 Minutes Read)

The 2025 South African avocado export season is off to a promising start, with the initial shipments expected to reach the European and UK markets by the end of this week. This follows a successful growing season across the country’s primary avocado regions, which was supported by steady rainfall and well-filled reservoirs. Industry leaders forecast exporting around 23 million cartons this year, surpassing the 21 million cartons from the previous year, which was already considered a successful year for production.

Derek Donkin, CEO of Subtrop (the organization representing the avocado sector in South Africa), highlighted that the projected increase in exports reflects recent investments in avocado plantings. South African exporters are focusing on ensuring a consistent supply to Europe and the UK, which remain their key markets. “We see steady consumer market growth in both Europe and the UK, and we expect that to continue this year,” Donkin said.

Additional smaller shipments are set to arrive in the coming week, with volumes expected to rise as the season progresses. Known for their high quality, South African avocados are in high demand. The country is also looking to expand into new markets, with initial shipments to China expected to depart before the end of March. “Exporters plan to gradually increase their presence in China and possibly Japan, with higher volumes expected around mid-year, during the peak of the South African Hass season,” Donkin explained.

However, India’s market growth remains slow due to existing trade conditions, including high import tariffs. Donkin noted, “In India, we may have to wait until the end of the Tanzanian season, but the high tariffs are limiting short-term volume increases.”

Read Also;

https://trendsnafrica.com/kenyan-fuerte-avocado-exports-to-turkey-soar-amid-red-sea-crisis/

In addition to avocado exports, South Africa’s domestic production has been growing, with new plantings expanding the supply base. Local consumption has also risen, particularly in smaller pack sizes, such as 1kg bags. Meanwhile, South Africa’s citrus season is underway, with large volumes of citrus, especially lemons, expected to be shipped in the coming weeks. This combination of strong avocado exports and steady citrus shipments positions South Africa well in the global fresh produce market this year.