The Avocado Market in China

10Apr2016

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The avocados are also called the “alligator pear” by the Chinese, they have come from Mexico and Central America. It is packed with healthy unsaturated fat. The price of the avocado is very matured in China. Demand globally is significantly greater than the supply, and prices are rising. Usually in the supermarket, on average a set of three Avocado is estimated at more than 45 yuan, nearly 15 yuan each. China generally imports most of its Avocado from Mexico, New Zealand, and Australia. This year, Peruvian Avocado also gained access to the Chinese market.

The growth of the Avocado Market in China

The avocado is a very nutritious fruit, containing fats, proteins, vitamins, minerals and other elements. Most Chinese do not know the true nutritional value of the avocado. Avocado fruits are eaten fresh, they are neither soft nor sugary and less favored over other tropical and subtropical fruits such as longan, litchi, mango, etc. It is difficult to popularize a cold dish, salad and avocado sandwich. Avocado has a limited shelf life at normal temperature. The Avocado is not very well known by the Chinese. Thirty years ago, it was almost impossible to find an Avocado in China. But with the globalization, the opening of the Chinese economy, the Western tastes were introduced at the same time than technology and investment. The Avocado is the star of western brunch menus. A gap of Avocado on a simple piece of toast is not only tasty but also colorful. Guacamole made from avocado is popular in Mexican cuisine and social gatherings in fashion. More and more Chinese consumers shall develop a certain curiosity for this exotic fruit, which can be used in pasta dishes, salads, or simply grilled on skewers. Many people simply prefer with a little lemon juice and a pinch of salt, spoon off the crust. Avocado are also considered good skin moisturizers. A lot of cosmetic product are using this ingredient such as shampoos, face creams etc… in addition, some Chinese mothers choose to feed their babies with this fruit because it is easy to digest and rich in nutrients.

In most local supermarkets of China, the chances of finding an Avocado on the display department of its products is very slim. Chinese people could find this fruit in imported product supermarket and it is mostly in big cities. China’s avocado market must yet to extend because most Avocado is sold to big hotels with foreign chefs in major cities such as Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou. More and more Chinese consumers have figured out how to consume the fruit with the knowledge of the nutritional value of the fruits.

Import and Export Overview of Avocado Market in China

Over the past four years, imports of the Avocado in China increased by 126 times, and the average price fell by about 20 yuan in 2008. Most imports of Chinese avocados enter via Hong Kong, with China appearing as a larger market than in 2013. Indeed, in 2013, Hong Kong imported 2,597 MT value of avocados mainly from Chile, Peru, USA, and Mexico, while China imported 1498 tonnes a value of avocados the majority from Mexico. Avocado is generally known for their high vitamin content and their many uses in different dishes. Avocado consumption has experienced strong growth in the world in different ways, thanks to this great trend that consumers consume products with natural fat, the knowledge of its properties and its perception is a healthy food.

The demand for Avocado is currently concentrated in developed countries. total firm consumption in the US is estimated at 750000 tonnes in 2013, with an average annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.2%, while consumption in the European Region with at 290.000 tonnes. Avocado consumption is on the rise, not only in the US and Europe.

China is another market with great potential, with Mexico as its biggest supplier, the Asian giant has shown its commitment to open its market to more suppliers because of the huge local demand. As a consumer and importer, in only just two years, China’s imports rose from 32 tonnes to 1,498 tonnes in 2014. In July 2014, the Chilean avocados have been authorized to be exported to mainland China. In addition, Peru has also received approval to export its avocados to China.

The Major Provinces of China Avocados Producers

China has introduced avocado and planting for the first time in 1925 in the region of Guangdong. Today, the avocado is planted successfully in the regions of Fujian, Yunnan, Guangxi, Hainan, Fujian, Sichuan, Zhejiang, Guizhou, etc. Avocados grown in China are very often the descendants of some non-selected plants, poor quality of unknown origin. this is only from 1985 that high-yielding varieties of avocados were introduced. The avocado is now cultivated in the regions of Guangxi, Hainan, Yunnan, Guangdong, Guizhou, Fujian, Zhejiang (Wenzhou) and Sichuan (Panzhihua city) in China.

China so far does not make a very large commercial production, for several reasons. The largest firm in China land of culture is in the county of Baisa, in Hainan, covering 33.3 ha. Guangxi has the largest area with scattered avocados. Commercial production of avocado is still in its infancy and the planting area is very limited. according to test reports in different places, Avocado produces flowers 2-3 years after planting and gives 35-103.5 kg, a tree at the age of 7-8 years. The total area of avocado crops in China has been estimated at around 133 ha in 1998 with a production of about 1,000 tons. Today, China has selected more than 70 varieties of avocados and more than 10 elite lines. Some of the commercial varieties as Pollock Lula Booth 7, 8 Booth and ST3 local variety, are views in Hainan and other provinces.

China has a great future in the development of avocado production. the population of China is estimated at 1.6 billion in 2030. This is the reason why the Chinese government is aware of its action, the nation should provide food for its growing population. Avocado fruit contains many nutrients and can be eaten fresh. Products avocado, veritably win the market when accepted by the Chinese people. There’s large land suitable for planting avocado in southern China. The subtropical and tropical lands cover nearly 48 million hectares in China.

China has great potential for the development of avocado production. The conducted research has resulted in the selection of over 80 varieties of avocados and therefore, thanks to appropriate production techniques avocado’s culture can know a great success. The orchards are widely dispersed, and there are very few large-scale commercial plantations, thus creating difficulties in extension work and dissemination of technology. Industrial demand is very low and it is difficult to stimulate the expansion of the Avocado that is already sold locally at a low price, discouraging farmers from planting avocado.