Lebanon’s Avocado Sector
Lebanon's avocado industry has seen notable growth over the past decade, evolving from a niche crop into a promising agricultural sector. Favorable microclimates, fertile land, and increasing global demand have positioned avocados as a high-value export commodity.
Despite this progress, the sector remains fragmented. Many small to medium-sized farms still face challenges in certification, quality control, and accessing organized markets. The creation of the Avocado Lebanon Association (ALA) responds to this need—offering structure, support, and advocacy to unify efforts and elevate Lebanese avocados globally.
Avocado Sector Overview
Avocado cultivation currently covers around 1,500 hectares in Lebanon, including both established plantations and new orchards. This area is expanding steadily, fueled by private investment and rising demand, and is expected to support a future annual production of 15,000 to 20,000 metric tons.
Varieties and Production Trends
ETTINGER
ETTINGER
• Harvest: Early
• Fruit Shape: Rectangular
• Fruit Size: Medium to Large
• Fruit Weight: 180–400g
• Skin Color: Light Green
• General: Highly recommended in Arabic countries and GCC markets.
• Fruit Shape: Rectangular
• Fruit Size: Medium to Large
• Fruit Weight: 180–400g
• Skin Color: Light Green
• General: Highly recommended in Arabic countries and GCC markets.
FUERTE
FUERTE
• Harvest: Early
• Fruit Shape: Pear Shaped
• Fruit Size: Small to Medium
• Fruit Weight: 250–500g
• Skin Color: Light Green
• General: Highly recommended in Arabic countries and GCC markets.
• Fruit Shape: Pear Shaped
• Fruit Size: Small to Medium
• Fruit Weight: 250–500g
• Skin Color: Light Green
• General: Highly recommended in Arabic countries and GCC markets.
PINKERTON
PINKERTON
• Harvest: Mid-Late
• Fruit Shape: Pear Shaped
• Fruit Size: Medium to Large
• Fruit Weight: 200–300g
• Skin Color: Dark Green
• General: Highly recommended in Arabic countries, EU and GCC markets.
• Fruit Shape: Pear Shaped
• Fruit Size: Medium to Large
• Fruit Weight: 200–300g
• Skin Color: Dark Green
• General: Highly recommended in Arabic countries, EU and GCC markets.
HASS
HASS
• Harvest: Mid-Late
• Fruit Shape: Oval
• Fruit Size: Large
• Fruit Weight: 180–250g
• Skin Color: Dark Purplish-Black
• General: Highly recommended in European and American markets.
• Fruit Shape: Oval
• Fruit Size: Large
• Fruit Weight: 180–250g
• Skin Color: Dark Purplish-Black
• General: Highly recommended in European and American markets.
LAMB HASS
LAMB HASS
• Harvest: Late
• Fruit Shape: Oval
• Fruit Size: Medium to Large
• Fruit Weight: 200–450g
• Skin Color: Dark Purplish-Black
• General: Highly recommended in European and American markets.
• Fruit Shape: Oval
• Fruit Size: Medium to Large
• Fruit Weight: 200–450g
• Skin Color: Dark Purplish-Black
• General: Highly recommended in European and American markets.
REED
REED
• Harvest: Late
• Fruit Shape: Round
• Fruit Size: Medium to Large
• Fruit Weight: 200–500g
• Skin Color: Green
• General: Recommended in Arabic Countries and GCC Markets
• Fruit Shape: Round
• Fruit Size: Medium to Large
• Fruit Weight: 200–500g
• Skin Color: Green
• General: Recommended in Arabic Countries and GCC Markets
Varieties and Production Trends
The main avocado varieties cultivated in Lebanon include:
- Fuerte (60%)
- Hass (20%)
- Remaining 20%: Lamb Hass, Pinkerton, Reed, Ettinger, Bacon, Zutano, and small volumes of Ryan, Wurtz, and Horshim
Due to strong global market preference and investor interest, the share of Hass-type varieties is expected to increase significantly in the coming years.
Top Export Destinations (2023)
Egypt:
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Jordan:
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Netherlands:
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Iraq:
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Russia:
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Production Zones
Avocado orchards are distributed along Lebanon’s coastal strip, particularly:
- On the western slopes of Mount Lebanon (up to 700 meters above sea level)
- In the Akkar plain in the north
- With the highest concentration between Saida and Tyre in the south
These regions offer diverse growing conditions, ideal for cultivating multiple varieties under Lebanon’s Mediterranean climate.
Climate Conditions
Lebanon enjoys a Mediterranean climate with:
- Hot, dry summers and cool, wet winters
- Rainfall concentrated between November and March
- Temperatures ranging from 5–10°C in January to 18–38°C in August
Market Dynamics
Lebanon's avocado exports have shown a remarkable upward trend, reflecting the fruit's growing international appeal.
