Avocados, technically a fruit, are native to Central and South America. However, Mexico, Dominican Republic, and Peru are the top avocado producers in the world. Mexico sits at the top of the avocado industry. They produced 2.4 million tons of avocados in 20203.

However, Mexico wasn't always at the top of the industry. As of 1914, the government restricted the importation of avocados into the United States due to the risk of importing agricultural pests. The government lifted the ban on avocado importations in 1997 and kickstarted the avocado industry's growth. 

In the US, over 2.7 billion pounds of avocados were consumed in 20204. Production efforts tripled as it became a green gold in tune with rising demand. According to the Hass Avocado Board, an organization founded to “make the avocado the most popular fruit in the US,” the global avocado market will continue to grow at a CAGR of over 5%.

Records show the majority of the avocados consumed in the US are from South America. However, before the government lifted the ban on Mexican avocados, the US grew avocados in California and Florida. Avocado farms can only survive in tropical regions; this is why Mexico and South America are the primary producers of avocados. 

It takes a long time to grow and harvest avocados. When you plant an avocado farm from seed, it takes up to 14 years before harvesting can start. If you planted trees instead, you would have to wait for about five years of growth before harvesting.