Avocado consumption in the United States has skyrocketed over the past four decades, reflecting a dramatic shift in American dietary preferences. From in the marketing year 1985/86, consumption has surged to over projected for 2023/24.
Global context of avocado consumption
While the United States has seen a significant increase in avocado consumption, European countries have also developed a taste for this nutrient-rich fruit. In 2022, France led European consumption with metric tons, followed by Spain, the United Kingdom, and Germany, each surpassing metric tons. Norway topped the list in per capita consumption at per person, closely followed by France at . These figures indicate a growing global appetite for avocados, extending beyond North America.
Nutritional appeal and consumer perceptions
The popularity of avocados is largely attributed to their perceived health benefits. In 2022, of U.S. grocery shoppers cited "healthy" as a key factor in their decision to purchase avocados. However, the high cost of avocados remains a significant barrier to purchase for many consumers, with of respondents in a survey identifying price as the primary obstacle. Despite this, the continued growth in consumption suggests that for many Americans, the perceived health benefits outweigh the cost concerns.