Hawai ‘ i Avocado Industry Analysis , Part 1 : Supply Focus

D of the sugarcane and pineapple industries in Hawai‘i has resulted in an increased shift toward diversified agriculture. According to the Hawai‘i Agriculture Statistics Services’ 2005 summary of diversified agriculture sales in Hawai‘i, tropical fruits, excluding pineapple, were ranked seventh, comprising 5.9 percent of total diversified sales. Among the different tropical fruits, avocado makes up 27 percent of Hawai‘i’s market share in fruits. The data show that during the period 1990–1995, local avocado production declined. However, this trend reversed and increased, from 500,000 pounds in 1995 to 800,000 pounds in 2005 (Figure 1). There was also an increase in the commercial value of this crop, from $273,000 in 1995 to $600,000 in 2005. At the same time, avocado imports briefly declined until 1999 but then started increasing dramatically, compared to local production. Imports rose from 700,000 pounds in 1999 to 2,130,000 pounds in 2005. These numbers clearly show responding to the increasing demand, and presents opportunities and suggestions for expansion for Hawai‘i avocado growers.