Spanish Market Faces Avocado Flood from Peru
As of March 23, 2026, the avocado market in Spain, which is recognized as the leading orchard of Europe, is experiencing a remarkable increase in imports from Peru. This influx has positioned Peru as a dominant force in the Iberian market, overshadowing Morocco, whose avocado shipments now pale in comparison, being four times less than those from its South American counterpart. Despite a doubling of domestic avocado production in Spain, which has surpassed 110,000 tons, the nation struggles to keep pace with the ever-increasing European demand for this popular fruit. Spanish farmers have consistently expressed concerns over the escalating competition from Moroccan avocado exports, which reportedly exceeded 140,000 tons in 2025.
While Spain grapples with its agricultural challenges, the real tidal wave in the avocado sector is emanating from South America. Official figures indicate that Peru has established itself as the undisputed leader among avocado suppliers, showcasing an astonishing annual growth rate of 23.38% in 2025. The statistics reveal a staggering disparity between the two competing nations; Spain imported nearly 170,000 tons of Peruvian avocados last year, compared to a mere 39,159 tons from Morocco, which is now ranked second in the market.
Moroccan Avocado Production Faces Intense Competition
The surge in Peruvian avocado exports is so substantial that the increase alone, estimated at over 32,000 tons in 2025, nearly matches the total Moroccan exports to the Iberian Peninsula. Chile follows far behind in this competition, with about 21,000 tons shipped. The Moroccan avocado sector is indeed witnessing a historic season; during the 2024-2025 campaign, Morocco exported an unprecedented volume of 112,000 tons, generating revenue exceeding 300 million dollars for the first time. This achievement, significantly driven by European demand, has also marked a notable expansion into new markets such as Canada.
In light of these developments, the Spanish Federation of Fruit and Vegetable Producers (Fepex) has taken a stand against agricultural imports from Morocco, highlighting concerns over labor cost disparities and the alleged use of banned pesticides within the European Union. As Spain contends with rising imports of fruits and vegetables from both Morocco and Peru over the past five years, reports of contaminated avocados from these countries have also started to surface, raising alarm bells among local media and regulators.
As reported by bladi.net.
