Volumes growing by 25 per cent a year as more producers drawn by the fruit’s profitability
Avocados are becoming a profitable alternative for a growing number of Paraguayan producers drawn by the fruit’s potential. According to a report in Megacadena, Production has grown by 25 per cent annually for the past three years, driven by the country’s ideal climatic conditions, fertile soils and strong demand on the international market.
Plantings are concentrated in three zones: Itapúa, Alto Paraná and Cordillera, with annual production currently standing at around 7,500 tonnes.
“The avocado industry generates approximately US$13mn a year, with a profitability that can reach 40 per cent for consolidated producers, becoming an attractive option compared to traditional crops,” the report said.
“The growth potential is based on the comparative advantages offered by the Paraguayan territory, where the productive cycles coincide with strategic commercial windows in international markets.”
Analysts believe that Paraguay could take advantage of these opportunities to position itself as a supplier in times of global shortage, especially in high-demand markets such as Europe and North America.
However, Paraguay still has a number of challenges to overcome if it is to develop a successful avocado export industry, not least grower education, financing and the lack of an efficient logistics chain.
