Whether halved on the grill, cut into small pieces in a salad or as guacamole – avocados are versatile and have a healthy image. In Germany, exotic fruits are more in demand than ever: according to the Federal Statistical Office, import volumes have increased more than fivefold in the last ten years: from a good 31,400 tons in 2013 to almost 157,800 tons in 2023.
It has been known for years that large-scale avocado cultivation in many regions of origin pollutes the environment – among other things because it uses a lot of water. Can we buy avocados with a clear conscience? Can the environmental impact be reduced by paying attention to certain origins? We have investigated.
The growth of cultivated areas is displacing forests
From 1994 to 2022, the global cultivated area almost tripled, from around 297 thousand to 884 thousand hectares. Environmental organizations such as BUND point out that some forests are being cut down to increase the territorial area, for example in Mexico or Colombia. Small farmers would be deprived of their own food growing areas. Growing avocados in monocultures also leads to the loss of biodiversity.
Super fruit – but not at any price
Avocado is considered a super fruit: although it is rich in fat, it contains many monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids, which can have a beneficial effect on cholesterol levels. It also contributes to the supply of vitamins and minerals such as potassium. But avocados don’t always need to be on your plate to get healthier fatty acids. The walnuts and linseed oil here score points, as does the olive oil. Regional and seasonal fruits and vegetables provide vitamins.
Avocados usually come to us from Peru
By far Germany’s most important country of origin is Peru: we imported almost a third of all avocados from there last year. Other important countries of origin are Colombia, Chile, South Africa, Kenya and Israel. Only around 5% of avocados imported into Germany come from Spain.
But: Certain regions of origin cannot be recommended in a generalized way, says Elisa Kollenda, sustainable nutrition consultant at WWF Germany. Fruits from Andalusia, Spain, would not have to travel such long distances to us. But there is also drought and a severe lack of water. Because Spanish farmers were unable to adequately irrigate their avocado plantations, some of them destroyed their trees in 2022.
Almost 2,000 liters of water per 1 kilo of fruit
In addition to lots of sun, avocado trees need a lot of water for a bountiful harvest. According to scientific water footprint calculations, it takes almost 2,000 liters of water to produce one kilogram of avocado. Depending on the size, this corresponds to about two to seven pieces. For comparison: around 200 liters are enough for a kilo of tomatoes and around 290 liters for a kilo of potatoes.
This data includes rainwater that avocado trees absorb and evaporate from the soil, as well as groundwater or water from lakes and rivers that are used for irrigation. The amount of water that would be needed to dilute fertilizer and pesticide contamination to a harmless level is also taken into account.
Irrigation leads to conflicts
The environmental protection organization WWF warns: Due to the high water consumption, avocado cultivation is damaging the environment in growing countries. This is particularly relevant in dry regions such as the Peruvian coast or central Chile: Here, avocado growers would have to irrigate their plantations additionally, which would lead to regional conflicts over water use.
The rapid expansion of large-scale industrial avocado cultivation has exacerbated conflicts over the use of this vital resource in some regions.
Elisa Kollenda, sustainable nutrition speaker, WWF Germany
The WWF expert gives an example: “In Chile, rivers and wells dried up in 2021 and the local population had to be supplied with improvised water by trucks. However, WWF also admits that avocado, compared to many animal products, has a negative effect.” reduce the water and climate footprint.
Producers point out reduction in water consumption
Avocado growers see the situation differently. The World Avocado Organization (WAO) explains in a press release that most avocados are grown in areas with sufficient or even excessive rainfall. In areas where additional irrigation is required, water consumption has been significantly reduced using digital agricultural technology. WAO points to programs in Chile and Spain that have reduced consumption by 25 to 50 percent. Such systems would be adopted by large and small companies across the world.
Tips for sustainable consumption
Consume in moderation. Eat avocado in moderation and be aware that it is a luxury food. If you only eat half of the fruit, sprinkle the other half with lemon juice and do not remove the pit. Wrapped in aluminum foil and refrigerated, the cut surface will remain green.
Choose organic fruits. If you don’t want to do without avocado, choose organic fruit. Organic seals represent a sustainable crop that conserves water resources. Since synthetic chemical pesticides are banned under the EU organic regulation, they cannot reach groundwater.
More favorable to the climate by sea. The World Avocado Organization states that it is estimated that over 95% of the fruit reaches us in Europe by sea, from Latin America or Africa. This is better for the climate than air transport.
Let the hard fruits ripen. If the avocado you purchased is still hard, it will ripen faster if placed next to the apples.
Deepen knowledge. In our special Climate-Friendly Diet, we explain how you can save on climate-damaging emissions when you eat. Our recipe book for a climate-friendly diet with the CO2 challenge shows how you can reduce your own emissions in the area of nutrition by up to 40%.