“Third import season of Tanzanian avocados underway”
“The consumption of avocados in India has grown significantly, Abdul Kadir Memon, Director of Indian fruit importer Abacate International, states: “The avocado market in India has experienced a phenomenal surge. Over the last few years, the market size has consistently doubled, echoing the company’s robust efforts in raising awareness among Indian consumers. We’ve effectively educated health-conscious individuals about the multifaceted benefits of avocados.”
Memon feels they’ve done right by focusing on affordability of avocados in the Indian market. “In just a few years, we’ve carved a niche in India’s avocado market, redefining not only consumption patterns, but also the very essence of affordability and accessibility. As we stride confidently into our third season, it’s poised to usher in a shift in how avocados are perceived, purchased and enjoyed by the masses. With a clear vision to make avocados accessible to every stratum of society, we embarked on a journey marked by determination and innovation.”
Although Tanzania is the main provider of avocados for Abacate International, they’ve also looked at other origins, Memon explains: “Our commitment to sourcing high quality avocados involves a meticulous selection process across multiple origins including Tanzania, New Zealand, Peru and Chile. However, our advantage lies in our direct collaboration with Tanzanian growers. This close partnership allows us to ensure unparalleled quality, year-round availability, and substantial volume, establishing Tanzania as a cornerstone of our operations. Moreover, our proximity to Tanzania enables us to efficiently import containers, a logistical advantage not feasible with other sourcing regions such as New Zealand, Peru and Chile.”
“While we’re excited about the recent access to the Kenyan market and are actively exploring partnerships there, our current focus remains on Tanzania, where we’re embarking on our third consecutive season. Tanzania holds a pivotal role in avocado imports due to its shorter transit time, enabling cost-effective sea container shipments. This efficiency not only sustains affordability but also ensures extended shelf life, facilitating access to various Indian cities.”
Looking at the upcoming weeks, Memon thinks there won’t be a lot of supply of avocados just yet: “We expect limited availability due to the season’s commencement, but our strategy involves aggressive scaling to meet demand as the season advances. Regarding prices, this year has seen remarkable stability compared to the previous year, when prices were notably higher. Currently, prices remain steady and affordable for consumers, a trend we aim to uphold throughout the season. In terms of demand, we’re observing a balanced market with decent demand levels.”
This being the third season of importing the avocados from Tanzania, Memon has high expectations for ramping up the volumes: “Our debut season was about more than just numbers; it was a testament to its commitment to affordability. The second season saw our branding endeavors in full swing. Launching Abacate Premium, Abacate Gold and Abacate Mini Gems (punnet) packaging. Five strategic branches across Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata, Bangalore, and Hyderabad now oversee distribution to every nook and cranny of the nation. As we brace for our third season, the focus intensifies on scaling volumes. With a strong foundation laid and a robust brand identity established, the objective is clear: to become India’s go-to avocado brand,” he concludes.”
*This article is excerpted from freshplaza.com website, published December 12, 2023