Hass Avocado Farming - Profit per Acre, Market Prices & Expert Guide
- BeyondForest
- Apr 24
- 10 min read
Updated: Jun 7
3.)List of Avocado Buyers and Sellers
4.)Growing Conditions for Hass Avocado
6.)Propagation of Hass Avocado
7.) Management Practices for Hass Avocado
8.)Harvesting and Post-Harvest Handling of Hass Avocado
9.)FAQ About Hass Avocado
10.)Avocado farming problems
Image of Hass Avocado Fruits at a Supermarket
The Hass avocado scientifically known as Persea americana , a cultivar of the avocado species, is renowned for its creamy texture and rich flavor. Since its introduction in the 20th century, the Hass avocado has become the most popular avocado variety worldwide.Hass Avocado originated in California in the 1930s and has since become the world’s most preferred variety due to its shelf life and consistent quality.
Hass market for export officially opened again on Monday 17th March 2025
Image of a Facebook post by Rodgers on Hass Avocado
The Hass avocado is characterized by its dark, pebbly skin that changes from green to nearly black when ripe. The fruit typically weighs between 200 to 300 grams.
Watch out for Transplanting Shock as it depends on where you bought the seedlings,the distance transported and time it took before planting. Ensure you buy seedlings that have been hardend for the harsh weather be it sun or cold
Image of a Hass Avocado Tree
Reject Avocados after fresh processing end up making oil
The Hass Avocado has a distinctive oval shape, with a high oil content ranging from 15% to 30% .The Hass avocado tree is medium-sized, reaching heights of 6 to 10 meters. Its leaves are evergreen, leathery, and elliptical.Avocados have a unique flowering behavior known as dichogamy, where the male and female flowers open at different times, promoting cross-pollination.
Image of Hass Avocado by Hass avocado Kereita
However, Hass avocados are self-pollinating, which helps increase fruit set.The fruit takes about 6 to 8 months to mature, with optimal harvesting time based on the skin color and firmness.
Image of a Hass Avocado Tree
Avocado exports have grown significantly, with Mexico exporting around $2.5 billion worth of avocados annually to the U.S. market.
Image of Avocado Oil Processing Line By Avocado Society of Kenya
I can testify that the returns were good and the feeling was nice too....The future is bright!-Gathuki
Successful avocado farmers in Kenya have several profitable avenues to explore beyond just harvesting and selling fruit. With the rising demand for Hass avocados both locally and internationally, farmers who have established healthy and productive avocado orchards can diversify their income streams in meaningful ways.
The rootstock is very important and determines the adaptability of the tree to its environment. Scion determines the productivity.
Image of a Hass Avocado damaged by persea mites
One of the key opportunities is selling scions—these are the young shoots or branches taken from mature, high-quality Hass avocado trees. Scions are an essential component in grafting, and tree nurseries are always in need of clean, disease-free scion wood to produce grafted seedlings. By maintaining healthy mother trees, farmers can regularly harvest scions and sell them to certified nurseries or individual growers, creating a steady and lucrative side income.
In addition to selling scions, successful farmers can venture into the production and sale of grafted Hass avocado seedlings. This involves collecting seeds (rootstocks), grafting them with quality Hass scions, and nurturing the seedlings until they are ready for sale.
With proper skills and nursery management, this can become a profitable agribusiness on its own, especially with Kenya’s growing interest in commercial avocado farming.
The Ideal spacing for planting Hass Avocado is 5 by 5 meters. One Acre of land can be planted 150 avocado trees
Image of Hass Avocado Seedling by mynzagric254 a top vendor on X
Lastly, farmers can earn through the sale of mature avocados for consumption or export. Hass avocados are in high demand due to their creamy texture, long shelf life, and market value.
Farmers with good post-harvest handling practices can tap into premium export markets or sell to local processors, wholesalers, and supermarkets.
Image of Hass Avocado Fruit by mynzagric254 a top vendor on X
KEIIT exporters | 020 233 8176 | |
Butch&Greens | 0700800511 | |
0203342166 | ||
SunRipe | 0206822948 | |
Kakuzi | 0722205895 |
Climate
Hass avocados thrive in subtropical and tropical climates with temperatures between 15°C and 30°C. They require well-drained soil and are sensitive to frost.
Tropical Climate occur near the equator (approximately 0° to 23.5° latitude) with Characteristics such as hot temperatures year-round on average above 18°C / 64°F with Little temperature variation across seasons with high humidity and frequent rainfall (often daily in rainforests)
Image of Hass avocado seedling
Soil: Ideal soil types include sandy loam and clay loam, with a pH of 6 to 6.5. Good drainage is crucial to prevent root rot.
A Hass seedling is made up of two parts, the rootstock the scion. If the nursery cannot proof the source of the scion and rootstock reconsider your decision.
Propagation of Hass Avocado
Most farmers prefer grafted seedlings, which are created by joining a Hass scion to a strong local rootstock like the Fuerte variety.
Grafted trees bear fruits earlier 2-3 years after planting Grafted Avocado have higher resistance to diseases and pests. and maintain uniform fruit quality with a standard spacing of 5m x 5m for small-scale farms (about 160 trees per acre).
Management Practices for Hass Avocado
Young trees need regular watering, especially during the dry season while mature trees can survive with natural rainfall but benefit from supplementary irrigation during flowering and fruiting
Prune trees annually to maintain shape, remove dead branches, and improve airflow and sunlight.
Image of a Facebook Group and Pages Screenshot on Avocado farming
A thick organic mulch is recommended in young plants so as to reduce evaporation off the soil and prevent very high and low root temperatures and salinity build up. The mulch also reduces weed competition.
Regular irrigation is critical, especially in dry periods. Drip irrigation is preferred to conserve water and reduce
disease risk.
Image of a Farmer requesting for help with Hass Avocado trees with some suggesting the issue could be Lack of Boron and Zinc while some suggesting it could be lack of water
Nutrient management includes applying nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, along with micronutrients to enhance growth and fruit quality.
Common pests include the avocado lace bug and various mites. Integrated pest management (IPM) strategies are essential to control these pests effectively.
Harvesting and Post-Harvest Handling of Hass Avocado
Avocados do not ripen on the tree, so they are harvested when mature, typically based on size and color.
Image of Hass Avocado Fruits undergoing processing ready for Export
After harvesting, avocados can ripen naturally at room temperature. Ethylene gas can also be used to hasten the ripening process for commercial purposes. Proper post-harvest handling is crucial to extend shelf life. Controlled atmosphere storage can help maintain fruit quality during transport.
FAQ About Hass Avocado
How do you make Hass avocado grow faster?
To make Hass avocado trees grow faster, use grafted seedlings, plant in well-drained soil, and ensure full sunlight. Apply balanced fertilizer, water regularly but avoid overwatering, and mulch to retain moisture. Prune for shape and health and protect from pests
How long does it take for a Hass avocado tree to bear fruit
A Hass avocado tree takes about 3 to 4 years to bear fruit when grown from a grafted seedling. Trees grown from seed may take 7 to 10 years. Proper care, including watering, fertilization, and pest control, is essential to encourage healthy growth and earlier fruiting.
What is the price of Kakuzi Hass avocado seedlings price
According to a Facebook post, one avocado seedling costs approximately KSh 350 in Kakuzi or any other well-established nursery.
To prune your Avocado one should cut the head and remove some branches in addition after pruning you can choose to add some organic fertilizer .Before prunning always ensure you have removed weeds surrounding the tree and also best time to prune is after every harvest
A mature Hass avocado tree typically yields 200 to 300 fruits per year, depending on factors like tree age, climate, pruning, pest control, and irrigation. Under ideal conditions, one tree can produce up to 1,000 fruits annually, but average commercial yields range from 50 to 80 kg per tree.
What is the price of Hass avocado per kilogram
The price of Hass avocados in Kenya varies based on size, quality, season, and market demand. Here’s the latest 2024 price breakdown 50Ksh to 80Ksh Ungraded which are sold to local brokers while at Nairobi (City Market) cost is 80–120Ksh Medium-sized, Grade 2 Export Grade (EU/China) cost 120Ksh to 200Ksh for Large (180g+) with no blemishes
Which avocado variety is best in Kenya?
The Hass avocado is considered the best variety in Kenya due to its high oil content, long shelf life, and strong export demand, especially in Europe.It offers better market prices, and yields well under proper care, making it ideal for commercial farming.
With direct KQ flight to USA any plans to export the Hass Avocado to the USA?
Back In the year 2023 Kenya became the first African country allowed to export avocados to the US after 10+ years of negotiations.The USDA approved Hass and Pinkerton varieties under strict cold-treatment phytosanitary rules.
My Hass Avocado Seedling was transplanted one week ago but seems to be doing poorly what could be the issue
Being sold a seedling whose leaves are not yet yet hardened for the harsh weather be it sun or cold!
Major issue could be Poor seedlings as the leaves tell you the quality of seedling you are planting.
Another issue could be Yellowing which can be associated with deficiency of nutrients mostly nitrogen .
Another over looked issue could be Transplant stress as this can be countered by giving the hass avocado seedling time and and avoid over watering it , leave the soil to dry a bit and water it in the afternoon
Hass Avocado Global Production
As of 2022, the global avocado market was valued at approximately $13.3 billion, with projections suggesting growth to $30 billion by 2028. The Hass variety dominates this market, representing around 80% of global avocado production.
Image of Hass Farming plantation by Kereita Hass farming
Major Producers and Leading avocado-producing countries include Mexico, the Dominican Republic, Peru, Colombia, and the United States (mainly California and Florida).
While Hass dominates, farmers also grow Fuerte which is Less oily and matures earlier. Pinkerton has a Smaller seed and higher flesh ratio and the G6 & G7 which is Kenyan-grafted high-yield clones.
Market Demand for Hass Avocado
Consumer Preferences
The demand for Hass avocados has surged due to their unique flavor, health benefits, and versatility in culinary applications. They are widely used in salads, guacamole, and as a topping for various dishes.
Export Markets
Mexico is the largest exporter of avocados, primarily supplying the United States, which accounts for about 30% of global avocado consumption.
Economic Impact for Hass Avocado Farming
Employment
The avocado industry creates numerous jobs in agriculture, processing, and distribution, contributing significantly to local economies in producing regions.
Rural Development
Avocado cultivation provides economic opportunities for smallholder farmers, promoting rural development and poverty alleviation in many regions.
Trade Dynamics around Hass Avocado Farming
Hass remains the best for export due to 12–18% oil content which is preferred by processors
Trade Agreements: Free trade agreements between countries have facilitated the growth of the avocado trade, reducing tariffs and increasing market access.
Hass Avocado Value Chain
Processing: Beyond fresh fruit, the avocado industry includes processing for oils, spreads, and frozen products. The oil extraction market has seen increased interest due to its health benefits.
Retail Trends: The rise of health-conscious consumers has spurred demand for avocados in supermarkets and restaurants, influencing pricing and availability.
Health Benefits of Hass Avocado
Nutritional Value: Hass avocados are nutrient-dense, providing vitamins (E, K, C, B vitamins), minerals (potassium, magnesium), and healthy monounsaturated fats.
Caloric Content: One medium Hass avocado contains approximately 240 calories, with 22 grams of fat, primarily healthy fats that support heart health.
Heart Health: The high content of monounsaturated fats can help lower bad cholesterol levels, reducing the risk of heart disease.
Anti-Inflammatory Properties: Antioxidants and phytochemicals in avocados possess anti-inflammatory properties, which may contribute to overall health.
Digestive Health: The fiber content in avocados supports digestive health and aids in maintaining a healthy gut microbiome.
Challenges Facing the Hass Avocado Industry
Water Usage: Avocado cultivation, particularly in regions like California, has raised concerns regarding water usage in drought-prone areas.
Land Use: The expansion of avocado farms can lead to deforestation and habitat loss, raising environmental sustainability concerns.
Hass Avocado farming problems
Employing IPM ( Integrated Pest Management )strategies is essential to mitigate threats while minimizing chemical usage.
Image of Hass avocado by Parsharn nursery
Common Pests that affect Hass Avocado include False Codling Moth which can be mitigated by the use of pheromone traps. Thrips which can be countered by Spraying Neem oil or Dudu Lime while for Birds & Bats Covering the fruits with nets helps
Root Rot may be due to waterlogged soils or caused by Phytophthora. For instance for a farmer who had planted hass avocado in Kajiado county the main challeneg there is that the area has black cotton soil thus for each tree a wide hole has t be dug and filled by red soil and manure but that does not solve the issue as Soon after the root grows into the black cotton soil, and the hass avocado root-rot kicks in with a mature tree carrying hundreds of fruits would start withering in less than 2 weeks.
Market Volatility
Prices for avocados can fluctuate significantly due to supply and demand dynamics, affecting farmers' income stability.
Competition
As global production increases, competition from other avocado-producing countries can impact market prices.
Hass Avocado requires significant initial investment in seedlings, irrigation, and land preparation.
Hass Avocado trees take 3–4 years to bear fruit, delaying returns.
Hass Avocado are vulnerable to pests, diseases, and climate extremes like frost or drought, which can reduce yields.
Hass avocados need consistent care, including pruning, fertilization, and pest management, which increases labor costs.
Overproduction in peak seasons can lead to market glut and price drops.
Export markets demand strict quality and certification standards, posing challenges for small-scale farmers.
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