Avocado exports: the gap between what Zambia ships and what Europe wants

The Cooperative's partnership with the Industrial Development Corporation was covered by the IDC in a report on the national push to expand commercial avocado production for export. LAMCS was named alongside the IDC, the Avocado Cooperative Union of Zambia and the Ministry of Agriculture in a partnership aimed at growing commercial avocado cultivation for export markets. The plans reported include an avocado packhouse and an oil processing facility. Two figures in that report matter to every member of this Cooperative. Exports to Italy were reported at around 318 metric tonnes a month. Demand was reported at 960 metric tonnes a month. That gap is the opportunity. The market is asking for roughly three times what is currently being shipped, and it is not a shortage of buyers holding us back. What it means for members Certification is the gate. The report notes that farmers are being certified under the GLOBALG.A.P. framework, which is what opens access to those export markets. If you are planting or expanding, that standard is worth understanding early. Volume is the other half. Meeting demand of that size needs consistent, graded, traceable supply from many growers, not a few. Recording your plantings and expected harvest in the member portal is how the Cooperative builds a picture of what it can commit to. Source: Industrial Development Corporation, "Commercial avocado production gets a major push", 27 February 2024. Read the original at idc.co.zm.