Westfalia Fruit has notched up another major export achievement by landing its first batch of Hass avocados in India, just over two weeks after its first export of the super fruit arrived in Shanghai.
A statement issued by the multinational said: “This milestone marks a significant achievement in the company’s export efforts and the broader South African avocado industry.”
The fresh produce supplier said the accomplishment came after the finalisation of a long-awaited phytosanitary agreement between South Africa and India.
Westfalia emphasised that the successful shipment to India was the result of years of dedicated work to open this promising new market.
“The shipment, which arrived in time to meet the growing demand in India, is a testament to Westfalia’s commitment to expanding its global reach.”
It was also highlighted that the geographical proximity of Africa to India provided South African avocados with a competitive advantage over Latin American origins, which face longer transit times.
It’s the same logistical challenge the citrus industry has had to overcome in dealing with its biggest EU export competitor, Spain.
The rapidly growing fruit market in India offered excellent opportunities for South Africa, particularly during the April to October period, Westfalia said.
The group’s business development executive, Zac Bard, said: “We are thrilled to celebrate the arrival of our first shipment of South African Hass avocados to the Indian market. This achievement highlights our dedication to expanding our global footprint and delivering top-quality produce to new markets.
“We look forward to establishing a strong presence in India and strengthening the ties between our two countries. Supplies of high-quality, large-sized Hass avocados from South Africa to India will complement our supply abilities from other sourcing origins.”
The historic exports to the world’s two most populous countries mark the end of South Africa’s 2024 supply season.
“This shipment allows Westfalia Fruit to ensure that we land a quality product in the market that complies with the requirements set out in the import protocol for India,” Bard said.
“We can then confidently scale up shipments in the 2025 season with a solid campaign that can support the growing consumption in India.”
He said that East Africa was facing logistical challenges with shipping to Europe due to the Suez Canal closure because of Islamic militia attacks on maritime traffic in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden.
Because of related access issues to EU markets, Kenya and Tanzania are increasingly focusing their efforts on eastern markets, which will ensure that there is sufficient supply from all African sources to meet growing demand in the Middle East, India and Far Eastern markets.
Bard said: “While India is currently a much smaller avocado market compared to Europe, it holds immense potential for growth. Westfalia Fruit remains committed to leveraging this opportunity to further solidify South Africa’s position in the global avocado market, ensuring a steady supply of premium-quality avocados to Indian consumers.”
While the avocado market in India is at a low base compared to its population of 1 455 billion, it has grown from 1 000 tons three years ago and is expected to reach 10 000 tons for the 2024 calendar year, which is good and steady growth.
The general manager of Westfalia Fruit India, Ajay TG, said: “This first shipment to India marks an exciting new chapter for Westfalia as we continue to broaden our global presence.
“India’s growing interest in avocados presents a significant opportunity, and we are eager to build strong partnerships within the market. With our focus on quality and sustainability, we look forward to playing a role in meeting the rising demand for avocados in India.”
As avos were still a relatively new product in India, efforts to educate consumers were crucial, the supplier said.
“The World Avocado Organisation has launched its second campaign in India, focusing on consumer education and inspiring the incorporation of avocados into everyday Indian cuisine.”
Westfalia added that it was committed to supporting India’s growing taste for avos “by not only supplying high-quality fruit but also partnering with initiatives aimed at raising awareness around the nutritional benefits and versatility of avocados”.
