Avocado Boom on the Garden Route

Avocado Boom on the Garden Route: Knysna to Plett Leads the Way

Over the past eight years, the Knysna and Plettenberg Bay region has witnessed a dramatic surge in avocado cultivation, transforming the local agricultural landscape. What began as a modest effort has grown into a thriving sector, with planted hectares increasing tenfold.

In 2017, the Western Cape had just 137 hectares of avocado orchards. Today, that figure has soared to approximately 1,400 hectares, according to Dr Guy Witney of EFN Multicrop Nursery in Wellington—one of the region’s leading suppliers of commercial clonal avocado trees.

From Pioneers to Expansion

Avocado farming in the Western Cape began in the early 2000s, but growth remained slow until around 2018. As access to quality trees improved, the industry experienced rapid expansion, particularly in the Outeniqua foothills between Mossel Bay and George.

Now, new interest is blooming further east. “The stretch between Wilderness and Plettenberg Bay is seeing several new avocado projects take root,” said Witney. Already, around 130 hectares of orchards have been planted in this zone. While trees take two to three years to yield significant crops, the Southern Cape’s unique climate allows for year-round avocado availability—filling seasonal supply gaps nationally.

Strategic Farming Meets Global Demand

Success in this region hinges on finding the right mix of microclimate, well-drained soil, and consistent access to high-quality water. “It’s a tough trifecta to secure, especially with high land values,” Witney noted. Still, about six pioneering farmers have managed to establish a solid avocado footprint.

Each three-hectare plot typically creates one permanent job and two casual positions. And the ripple effect is substantial: trucking, packaging, and farm supply industries generate nearly one off-farm job for every on-farm role.

Export Powerhouse

South Africa’s fruit industry is heavily export-driven, and avocados are no exception. The Western Cape’s harvest often reaches global markets during supply lulls, fetching premium prices. Europe remains the primary destination, with growing interest from the Middle East, India, China, and Japan.

India, in particular, holds promise. With 80% of its population following vegetarian diets and a burgeoning middle class eager to diversify their meals, avocados are a perfect fit. “They’re nutrient-rich and ideal for health-conscious consumers,” Witney explained.

SAAGA and South Africa’s trade mission are actively lobbying to remove India’s 30% import tariff on avocados. If successful, India could become a key export market.

Looking Ahead

“The global avocado market has grown exponentially over the past three decades,” said Witney. This rise is fueled by health trends and expanding middle-class populations in emerging economies. While global production is also climbing—raising concerns about potential oversupply—Witney remains optimistic about long-term prospects for South African growers.

Avocado Oil: The Health Hero

Beyond fresh fruit, avocado oil is gaining traction in both culinary and cosmetic sectors. Dietitians increasingly recognize it as one of the healthiest oils available, further driving demand.