“Access for Kenyan and Australian avocados has ushered in a new era of possibilities”

“There is a booming avocado trade going on in India, as more origins are presenting themselves. According to Abdul Kadir Memon, Director of Abacate International, the Tanzanian avocados have seen a strong third season for the company: “Our experience with the Tanzanian avocado season has been quite promising this year. We’ve embarked on our third Tanzanian avocado season with a strong focus on ramping up volumes. In the first quarter alone, we’ve managed to secure a notable market share of 29%, exceeding our expectations. When it comes to pricing, we’ve experienced some fluctuations, particularly earlier in the year. While prices did drop sooner than expected due to an influx of arrivals. Moving forward, we anticipate competitive pricing as we progress through the season, ensuring accessibility for consumers.”

Looking at the consumers in India, the avocado is becoming more popular among health-conscious people. Memon states he believes they will have a significant growth in volumes this year. “In terms of consumer trends, we’ve observed a growing appetite for avocados among Indian consumers. With increasing awareness of the health benefits and versatility of avocados, demand has been on the rise. Avocados have emerged as a popular choice among health-conscious individuals. Already having achieved 90% of last year’s volume within the first three months of the new season, we anticipate a four to fivefold jump in our volumes, reflecting our unwavering commitment to growth and excellence in the Indian avocado market.”

Australian avocados have recently become an additional option for importers from India as well, and Memon is excited for the opportunities this provides: “Following my brother Shahid Patka his participation in a delegation visit organized by Trade and Investment Queensland and Avocados Australia Limited, our interactions with growers and exporters highlighted the superior quality of Australian avocados. With a strong emphasis on premium quality and taste, Australian avocados are poised to carve out a significant market share in India, especially within the discerning premium segment. The upcoming marketing campaigns and promotions further reinforce our confidence in the future success of Australian avocados in India. As awareness grows and consumers associate Australian avocados with superior quality and indulgence, we anticipate a surge in demand that will solidify their position as a sought-after choice in the Indian culinary landscape.”

As India now has three solid origins for avocados to import from, Memon is happy at the prospects of the avocado industry in India. “Looking ahead, we’re optimistic about the future of avocado imports into India. The availability of supply from three key origins will be a significant milestone in the evolution of India’s avocado import market. Unlike previous years where Tanzania stood as the sole supplier with container shipments, access now being granted for Kenya and Australia has ushered in a new era of possibilities. With Kenya and Tanzania entering their peak seasons and Australia commencing shipments, a consistent and diversified supply of avocados is now assured throughout the year. This development not only ensures a steady flow of produce but also mitigates the risks associated with relying on a single sourcing origin.”

“In conclusion, India’s avocado import market is poised for continued growth and innovation. With our vision to make avocados accessible to the Indian middle class, we’re committed to leveraging our expanding network and distribution channels to reach new heights. With a relentless focus on quality, reliability, and market expansion, we’re poised to continue leading the charge in shaping the future of avocado imports in India,” Memon concludes.”

*This article is excerpted from freshplaza.com website, published April 26, 2024