Growing demand for avocados ripe with opportunities
Growing demand for avocados offers opportunitiesA growing demand for avocados presents an opportunity for local producers to expand their operations, the Namibian Agronomic Board (NAB) says.
NAB spokesperson Liseli Mwilima said as avocados continue to capture global attention for their health benefits and culinary versatility, Namibia’s engagement with this trending fruit offers intriguing insights.
She added that despite a promising increase in consumption, Namibia's avocado production rates remain limited, with most avocados imported from neighbouring South Africa.
According to a 2022 study by the NAB, Namibia’s avocado cultivation is still in its nascent stage, she explained.
“The study identified approximately 201 avocado trees, primarily in the Kavango and Karst production zones.”
Annually, Namibia imports over 1 200 avocado seedlings, yet detailed production metrics, such as yield quantity, are not available, said Mwilima.
“Consequently, the country lacks official records on avocado production volumes.”
Consumption grows
In contrast, avocado consumption has seen a significant rise, Mwilima said.
In the 2021/2022 financial year, Namibia imported 756 tonnes of avocados valued at N$14.5 million, surging to 889 tonnes valued at N$16.4 million in the 2022/2023 financial year.
“This increase underscores the fruit’s growing popularity among Namibian consumers, though it is worth noting that local production contributes less than one tonne of avocados annually.”
Namibia’s avocado trade is heavily reliant on imports, with South Africa being the exclusive supplier.
Slim local supply
Yet, despite the rise in imports, Namibia’s avocado export sector remains nonexistent, Mwilima explained.
Local producers sold less than one tonne of avocados in both financial years, generating revenue of under N$10 000.
“This highlights a significant opportunity for growth in both production and exportation," Mwilima said.
Mwilima said the price of avocados has experienced fluctuations over the past two years.
In the 2021/2022 financial year, the average import price was N$11.93 per kilogramme, which decreased to N$9.79 in the 2022/2023 financial year.
“The future of Namibia’s avocado industry holds promise. By investing in improved agricultural practices and addressing the current production challenges, Namibia can work towards reducing its dependence on imports.”
Mwilima said this shift not only has the potential to bolster local job creation but also to set the stage for future avocado exports.
“As we navigate these opportunities, the NAB remains committed to supporting the development of Namibia’s avocado sector and ensuring that the benefits of this flourishing market are realised domestically.”
There is a growing demand among consumers for avocados. Photo: Freshproducemea
NAB spokesperson Liseli Mwilima said as avocados continue to capture global attention for their health benefits and culinary versatility, Namibia’s engagement with this trending fruit offers intriguing insights.
She added that despite a promising increase in consumption, Namibia's avocado production rates remain limited, with most avocados imported from neighbouring South Africa.
According to a 2022 study by the NAB, Namibia’s avocado cultivation is still in its nascent stage, she explained.
“The study identified approximately 201 avocado trees, primarily in the Kavango and Karst production zones.”
Annually, Namibia imports over 1 200 avocado seedlings, yet detailed production metrics, such as yield quantity, are not available, said Mwilima.
“Consequently, the country lacks official records on avocado production volumes.”
Consumption grows
In contrast, avocado consumption has seen a significant rise, Mwilima said.
In the 2021/2022 financial year, Namibia imported 756 tonnes of avocados valued at N$14.5 million, surging to 889 tonnes valued at N$16.4 million in the 2022/2023 financial year.
“This increase underscores the fruit’s growing popularity among Namibian consumers, though it is worth noting that local production contributes less than one tonne of avocados annually.”
Namibia’s avocado trade is heavily reliant on imports, with South Africa being the exclusive supplier.
Slim local supply
Yet, despite the rise in imports, Namibia’s avocado export sector remains nonexistent, Mwilima explained.
Local producers sold less than one tonne of avocados in both financial years, generating revenue of under N$10 000.
“This highlights a significant opportunity for growth in both production and exportation," Mwilima said.
Mwilima said the price of avocados has experienced fluctuations over the past two years.
In the 2021/2022 financial year, the average import price was N$11.93 per kilogramme, which decreased to N$9.79 in the 2022/2023 financial year.
“The future of Namibia’s avocado industry holds promise. By investing in improved agricultural practices and addressing the current production challenges, Namibia can work towards reducing its dependence on imports.”
Mwilima said this shift not only has the potential to bolster local job creation but also to set the stage for future avocado exports.
“As we navigate these opportunities, the NAB remains committed to supporting the development of Namibia’s avocado sector and ensuring that the benefits of this flourishing market are realised domestically.”
There is a growing demand among consumers for avocados. Photo: Freshproducemea
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