Brazilian firm takes avocado to over 20 countries

São Paulo – Jaguacy, a family-owned company now run by its second generation, began in 1972 by producing tropical avocados that are more familiar to Brazilian consumers. In 1980, the company started exporting, discovering that Hass avocados were more popular in Europe for their lower water content and higher fat levels, making them more suited to savory dishes.

Lígia Falanghe Carvalho, the company's managing partner, explains that until 1996, they only exported the Hass variety, sourced from the United States, due to its resistance to cold and long trips in refrigerated containers. Her father, Paulo Roberto Leite de Carvalho, had already gained experience with pine reforestation and developed an avocado project while studying at Esalq, the agriculture research center at the University of Sao Paulo.

Today, Jaguacy exports an impressive 80% of its production abroad, selling fresh fruit, frozen pulp, avocado oil, and guacamole packaged in small tubs. They cultivate 290 employees, who are in the off-season during harvest times, with 1,000 workers employed. The company has farms in three regions of Brazil, six in São Paulo state, and a business unit in Rio Grande do Sul.

Their exports reach over 20 countries, with Spain and Argentina as their largest buyers. Europe, especially Russia, Italy, Canada, Uruguay, and Chile, are major importers. The company has previously exported to the United Arab Emirates and Morocco, but these markets remain promising with room for further growth.

Jaguacy invests in recipe-focused marketing and partnerships with nutritionists, emphasizing the health benefits and versatility of avocados, which are a key component of a balanced diet.