In the subtropical zone of Malaga, the rainfall deficit defining the hydrological year is nearing its end, yet a fresh concern now dominates the landscape: initial market prices have sunk toward historic lows.
Farmers in the Axarquía region, the Guadalhorce Valley, and areas around Estepona have, this year, begun replacing traditional crops with a highly coveted fruit, one of today’s leading superfoods and the most widely shared fruit on platforms like Instagram. With prices at as low as three euros per kilogram in some cases, the investment hinges on the avocado tree’s substantial water requirements.
Then came spring, and the trend shifted. Paradoxically, the very period that anchored prices for many farmers during the pandemic now sees green fruit slipping in value on markets until this year’s varieties traded for less than fifty cents per kilo, culminating the season with softer returns.
Agricultural associations remind readers that while Malaga historically stood as the sole European region with its own avocado production, it has never been able to pull global pricing toward its origin. Local production remains relatively modest on the international stage. Still, the quality of Spanish fruit stands out, especially when contrasted with destinations that endure long journeys.
What is most pressing now is the rapid expansion of new avocado farms in Colombia that threatens to position the country among the world’s five largest producers, potentially altering trade dynamics and regional competitiveness. In Malaga, spokespersons for Asaja report a forecast for the season that points to a discouraging price trend. Meanwhile, other subtropical crops planted nearby, such as mangoes, show potential to regain market footing because they demand less water and typically offer more stable pricing. A local intermediary explains that while the mango can fetch roughly one euro per kilo, the yield per tree tends to be higher, helping offset the lower unit price.
Portugal, by contrast, is highlighted as a mature producer in the broader Iberian market, thanks to a highly integrated water management system that keeps reservoirs connected and supports smoother redistribution of water and surplus produce. ACOG and related associations point to the ease with which the Portuguese government can move surpluses between watersheds, illustrating a level of regional coordination that benefits growers in neighboring regions.
There is also a note about the Málaga cooperative troops, which maintains a quota of partners in the Algarve. Through international cooperation, this organization, originally based in Vélez-Málaga, is able to participate in a greater number of orders from large wholesalers, expanding access to markets and reinforcing its position in the supply chain. This interconnected framework suggests that even as prices fluctuate, the ability to scale production and coordinate distribution remains a critical factor for local producers seeking stability in a volatile global market. [Sources: COAG, Asaja, regional agricultural bodies]
Overall, the current landscape for avocados in southern Spain is characterized by a tension between high water demands, rapid farm expansion abroad, and evolving consumer preferences that can lift other subtropical fruits such as mangoes. The region continues to balance the appeal of high-value crops with the practical considerations of resource management, price volatility, and international competition. The conversation remains centered on how growers can maintain profitability while adapting to shifting market signals and the realities of climate variability, water policy, and logistic infrastructures that shape this dynamic sector. [Market reports and policy notes cited by regional agricultural associations]