China Fresh Avocado insights

The memorandum was signed by Ethiopian Ambassador to China Tafela Debi and Deputy Commissioner of the General Administration of Customs of China Wang Lingjun, representing the outcome of six months of joint technical preparation and review by Ethiopia's agricultural sector and China's General Administration of Customs. The Ethiopian Embassy in China stated that this memorandum is an important milestone in expanding Ethiopian agricultural product exports, which will promote more high-value avocados entering the Chinese market, marking a key step in Ethiopia's strategic process of diversifying export markets and deepening economic cooperation between Ethiopia and China.

The Peruvian avocado market is experiencing significant adjustments in 2025, characterized by increased volumes, falling prices, and logistical challenges that impact exporters. Giannina Denegri, general manager of Marand Company, explains that this season has been neither especially good nor bad, but "normal," with significantly higher volumes than in 2024.

Recently, the first batch of South African avocados for the 2025 crop season successfully arrived at the Shanghai Port, marking the official start of the new season for South African avocado exports to China and the first complete export season. The first batch consists of 2 containers, produced by South African ZZ2, exported by Core Fruit, and distributed by Mr. Avocado, Mission Produce Inc's partner in China. In an interview with International Fruit and Vegetable News, Ms. Shi, Deputy General Manager of Mr. Avocado in China, explained that since Peruvian avocados are already in the peak arrival phase, the company initially imported 3 containers of South African avocados to test market feedback. As South African avocados only first entered China last October, more time is needed to assess market acceptance. Customs data shows that Peruvian avocados accounted for 77% of China's total avocado imports in 2024, with large quantities arriving in the Chinese market from March to September. The South African avocado export season runs from March to November, with the period from May to August overlapping with Peruvian arrivals. Ms. Shi noted that compared to Peruvian avocados, South African avocados lack price competitiveness. Additionally, Peruvian avocado quality continues to improve, and the opening of the Qian Kai Port will ensure more reliable maritime transportation. While South African suppliers can now customize cargo specifications and packaging according to Chinese market demands, they still need to establish advantages in price and quality or stagger their supply period with Peru's peak arrival to compete in the Chinese market. Discussing the domestic avocado consumption market, Ms. Shi believes that consumer habits have changed significantly in recent years. As consumer awareness and acceptance of avocados increase, the Chinese market's demand for avocados, especially ripe fruit, has grown. Avocado consumption scenarios are becoming more diverse, with emerging tea and dining markets developing more varied avocado combinations, with food service and retail markets at approximately a 3:7 ratio. Ms. Shi stated that domestic avocado prices are primarily influenced by international market prices, shipping volumes, and China's market supply and demand, but overall fluctuations remain within