Kenya continues to strengthen its position as Africa's top exporter, with more farmers switching from traditional crops like tea to avocados for better returns.
Kenya export volumes are set to rise by 7.4% to 130,000 tons, with Agriculture and Food Authority (AFA) overseeing quality standards during the sea shipment season, which commenced on April 2, 2026.
While still a small share of avocado global trade (6%), Asia remains a primary target for future marketing. Kenya has recently secured new market access in China, Malaysia, and India to diversify away from European reliance.
Geopolitical tensions in the Red Sea have severely impacted African exports to Europe. Prolonged shipping times and rising costs have led major players like Sasini PLC to exit the avocado processing segment, putting its modern Nairobi plant up for sale in April 2026.
Countries like Colombia (46% volume growth in 2025) and Morocco (nearly doubling exports to 141,000 tonnes) are rapidly expanding their footprint in European markets.
Drops: Mexico continues to lead global trade, accounting for one-third of the supply. Recently, Mexican avocado prices fell by 27% due to higher supply and favorable weather, leading to a record projection of 127,000 tons destined for the U.S. market during the 2026 Super Bowl.
The number of avocado-exporting nations is projected to grow from 23 in 2023 to 30 by 2030, with global supply expected to exceed 3 million tonnes annually.
As of April 2026, major avocado producers like Mexico and Peru maintain global dominance, while emerging players in Africa, specifically Kenya and Morocco, are locked in a battle for regional leadership.
The global avocado industry is currently navigating a period of rapid production growth tempered by significant logistical disruptions and a shifting competitive landscape.
Beginning in January 2026, Mexican avocados must meet a new deforestation-free criterion to be exported. This program uses satellite mapping to ensure production does not harm protected areas.
Mission Produce acquired rival Calavo Growers in a $430 million deal finalized in January 2026, creating a global avocado powerhouse with expanded packing footprints in Mexico.
The avocado oil is widely used in both the culinary sector (prized for its high smoke point of over 270°C/520°F) and the cosmetics industry, where it is an ingredient in skincare and haircare products.
Consumers in North America, Europe, and Asia are increasingly seeking healthy, natural, and clean-label oils. Avocado oil's high monounsaturated fat content and rich nutritional profile are major drivers.
New clinical trials suggest that the healthy fats in avocados may also offer unexpected secondary benefits for sleep quality and cardiovascular health.