The avocado industry in Guatemala has grown in the last seven years. Export of Hass and Booth 8 avocados in fresh fruit and processed products such as guacamole and frozen fruit has developed. The excellent agroclimatic conditions of Guatemala for the development of the avocado allow fruit to be available during a large part of the year, with a greater volume within easy reach between October and February.
Currently, work is being done to increase the exportable supply with producers interested in cultivating fruit, focusing efforts on compliance with regulations, trade agreements, and specifications of the different international markets. Guatemala's export seasons for Hass are from October to March and from July to September. The Booth-8 variety season is August and September.
Guatemala has export companies that offer fresh fruit, guacamole, sauces, and frozen fruit, which are committed to the implementation of good agricultural and manufacturing practices. This allows them to be certified under the main international certifications such as Global GAP, SMETA and Rainforest Alliance, among others, and thus supply the European Union, Canada, and Central American markets. According to FAO, Guatemala has cultivated 13,000 hectares of avocado of different varieties; however, MAGA has reported that Hass avocado is cultivated in 5,500 hectares. It is considered that the industry creates 13,000 direct jobs and 4,000 indirect jobs.