Tanzania’s avocado industry is riding a wave of growth, with exports jumping by 74%, from 15,432 tons in 2021 to 26,826 tons in 2023, according to the Tanzania Horticultural Association (TAHA). Figures for 2024 are still being compiled, but momentum remains strong.
Speaking at a recent avocado stakeholders’ forum, TAHA CEO Dr. Jacqueline Mkindi shared that export revenues rose sharply from $44.3 million in 2021 to $77.3 million in 2023. She attributed this growth to rising global demand and Tanzania’s increasing output, which has grown at an average annual rate of 20% over the past five years.
TAHA estimates that avocado production hit 195,000 tons in 2023, with projected exports for the 2023/2024 season reaching 31,950 tons, according to ongoing data compilation.
Dr. Jacqueline Mkindi also highlighted the rapid expansion of the global avocado market, which rose from $2.39 billion in 2013 to $7.3 billion in 2023, while Tanzania’s avocado output recorded an average annual growth rate of 20 percent over the past five years.
Tanzania’s main export destinations include Europe, India, and the Middle East, while China, South Africa, and neighboring Kenya account for the rest. The conference, organized by TAHA in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture under the COPRA initiative, spotlighted the need for strategic investments to strengthen Tanzania’s foothold in international markets.
TAHA is leading efforts to empower growers through farmer training, improved logistics under TAHA Fresh, and broader market access. The Horticultural Exports Acceleration Program (HEAP) is particularly focused on the UK, with TAHA also opening new offices in Europe and the UK to ease trade flows.
TAHA envisions the horticulture sector generating over $2 billion in export earnings by 2030, with avocados potentially making up $714 million of that value in the 2030/2031 season.
Partnerships with industry players like Westphalia and HL Hall & Sons are expected to open up more opportunities, particularly in India and China. Meanwhile, COPRA’s Dr. Irine Madeje pointed to new market access, avocado oil plants, and upgraded packaging infrastructure as key drivers behind the production boost.