The Top 10 Countries That Grow the Most Avocados in the World

Avocados are a unique and delicious fruit native to North, Central, and South America. They were first cultivated by Mesoamerican peoples around 5,000 years ago. This article explores the top 10 countries that grow the most avocados in the world. While most of the countries on this list are in the Americas, others are surprisingly far away. Let’s explore these 10 countries and the massive amounts of avocados they produce each year.

1. Mexico

Mexico grows more avocados than any other country in the world, producing around 45% of the world’s avocados annually. The country produced 2,442,945 metric tonnes of avocados in 2021, which is around 2.5 times as much as the next leading country, Colombia. Avocados grow best in southern Mexico, which has a tropical climate. According to the Avocado Institute of Mexico, the Mexican state of Michoacán is the only place in the world where avocados can bloom every day of the year. This is due to its highly ideal growing conditions, which include nutrient-rich volcanic soils and great natural irrigation.

Uruapan, the city in Michoacán that grows the most avocados, gets 40 inches of rain per year. This rain feeds rivers and lakes which then naturally irrigate avocado groves. Natural irrigation is the primary water source for 61% of Michoacán’s avocado groves, while 36% of groves use drip irrigation.

2. Colombia

Colombia is a large country in northern South America. At 440,831 square miles, it is the 25th-largest country in the world by area. Colombia produced a whopping 979,618 metric tonnes of avocados in 2021. Colombia’s avocado production has boomed in recent years, increasing drastically from 535,021 metric tonnes in 2019 to 829,147 metric tonnes in 2020. This boom caused Colombia to overtake Peru in 2020 as the number two country in the world for avocado production. In addition to its avocados, Colombia is also one of the world’s top producers of coffee and palm oil.

3. Peru

At 496,224 square miles, Peru is the 19th-largest country in the world by total area. Peru ranks third for countries that grow the most avocados. The country grew 777,096 metric tonnes of avocados in 2021. In addition to avocados, Peru is also a top producer of blueberries, artichokes, and asparagus.

4. Indonesia

At 735,358 square miles, Indonesia is the 14th-largest country in the world by area. Despite being located in Asia rather than the Americas, Indonesia ranks fourth for countries that grow the most avocados. In 2021, Indonesia grew 669,260 metric tonnes of avocados. Aside from avocados, Indonesia is also the world’s top producer of palm oil.

5. Dominican Republic

At just 18,792 square miles, the Dominican Republic is much smaller than many of the countries on this list. However, despite its smaller size, the Dominican Republic is the fifth-greatest producer of avocados in the world. In 2021, the Dominican Republic grew 634,368 metric tonnes of avocados. In addition to avocados, the Dominican Republic is also one of the world’s top producers of sugar cane.

6. Kenya

Kenya is the only African country that is a top 10 producer of avocados. The fruit grows well in Kenya due to its tropical climate. Kenya produced 416,803 metric tonnes of avocados in 2021. Aside from avocados, Kenya is also a leading producer of coffee and tea.

7. Brazil

At 3,287,956 square miles, Brazil is the fifth-largest country in the world. The country grew 300,894 metric tonnes of avocados in 2021, ranking as number seven for avocado production worldwide. In addition to avocados, Brazil is also the number one producer of sugarcane, coffee, oranges, and soybeans.

8. Haiti

Ranking eighth for avocado production worldwide, Haiti produced 248,135 metric tonnes of avocados in 2021. In addition to avocados, Haiti is also the number one producer of vetiver worldwide.

9. Vietnam

Vietnam produced 212,977 metric tonnes of avocados in 2021, making it the ninth-largest producer of avocados. In addition to avocados, Vietnam is also the world’s top producer of cashews.

10. Chile

Ranking number 10 in the world for avocado production, Chile produced 169,031 metric tonnes of avocados in 2021. Chile is a large country with a varied topography and climate. Avocados grow best in its northern region, which is also known for growing wine grapes.

Summary of Countries That Grow the Most Avocados