In recent years, the Jalisco avocado has experienced significant growth in the international market, consolidating itself as a benchmark in quality and production.
According to Eleazar Oceguera Aguayo , president of the Association of Avocado Producers and Exporters of Jalisco (Apeajal) , exports to the United States have increased by 24% in the last three years.
“Little by little we have been paving the way, offering avocados with the quality that the market demands,” he said in an interview with T21.
Jalisco began its efforts to enter the export market in 2011, when production was still artisanal and access to international markets such as Japan, Europe and Canada was limited by certifications.
Over time, Apeajal worked to obtain the necessary permits, managing to meet global quality standards.
However, one of the main challenges has been the lack of recognition of the Jalisco avocado in some export protocols.
“Our products meet all the requirements, but the initial protocols only mentioned Michoacán, leaving Jalisco out of markets such as Chile and South Korea,” explained Oceguera Aguayo.
Expansion and logistical challenges
Growth in production has generated greater demand for transport logistics.
Eleazar Oceguera told this media that Apeajal has identified the need to strengthen the cold chain to ensure that the avocado arrives in optimal conditions at its destination.
Furthermore, with the possible incorporation of states such as the State of Mexico and Nayarit into the production of avocado for export, the sector faces new challenges in terms of transportation and distribution.
“We know we are going to grow. We are increasing production and expanding into more markets. But this also means we need to prepare ourselves with better transport logistics,” he said.
Currently, most exports to North America are made by refrigerated truck, but ocean shipping is a growing option , especially for markets in Europe and the Middle East.
“Right now we hardly sell to Europe, but maritime transport is a route that we are very interested in developing in the coming years,” said the president of Apeajal.
One of the main objectives of the sector is to ensure that Jalisco avocados comply with all the regulations of the destination markets.
Oceguera stressed the importance of collaboration between producing states to unify criteria and avoid discrepancies in regulation.
“Each state wants to set its own standards, but what really matters is that the avocado reaches the final consumer in the best possible quality,” he said.
With the consolidation of new export routes, improved logistics and a firm commitment to sustainability , Jalisco seeks to position itself as a global leader in the production and export of avocado, ensuring that its product reaches consumers around the world with the best quality.
Currently, Jalisco exports avocados to the United States, Canada, Central America, Japan, Saudi Arabia and Dubai; and they are laying the groundwork to reach China, South Korea, Chile and Brazil.
“Within three or four years, we will be talking about a considerable volume of exports throughout the world,” said Oceguera Aguayo.
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