Avocado consumption in 2021: a fine performance by the European market, but with some surprises

According to the still preliminary figures, avocado consumption in the EU27+UK increased by approximately 8 % in 2021, to reach nearly 720 000 t. This was a better performance than the US (+ 4 % and 1.3 million tonnes consumed, according to also preliminary figures), in a context of moderate supply throughout most of the second half-year. The European dynamic remained on the same lines as in previous years (average growth 9 % per year between 2016 and 2020). Nonetheless, this was accompanied by a downward price trajectory (- 3 % on 2020, and 10 % below the 2016-2020 average), due to extremely tough market conditions, especially during the summer and late autumn. The analysis by country reveals that France remained toward the top of the class (+ 4 % on 2020), thereby confirming its recovery of modest growth since 2020 after the flat years of 2018 and 2019. A similar reawakening was seen in the United Kingdom (also + 4 %), thereby ending the gloomy pre-Brexit period which resulted in decline on the market. Conversely, there was great surprise at seeing the German market abruptly go from strong growth to a slight fall (- 4 %, with data from consumption panels confirming the calculation made using the Customs figures). There was a similar trend in Scandinavia, with slack growth in previous years giving way to a slight downturn (- 5 %), due to falling sales in Sweden and Finland. Did the stricter restrictions due to the pandemic in this part of the Continent weigh heavier on consumption than in the rest of Europe? The most encouraging signals this season came from the up-and-coming East European markets (+ 10 % and 60 000 t consumed) and above all Italy, where sales literally exploded to approach 40 000 t, with a 50 % rise from 2020!

Source: CIRAD, according to Customs figures 

avocado - consumption 2021

avocado - consumption 2021