People often buy foods from supermarkets that seem healthy and gentle on the planet. Yet there are products that are good for personal health but harder on the environment. A prime example is the avocado, a tropical fruit that has become common in Spain only in recent years and continues to win fans across households.
Avocados are now a pantry staple, rich in vitamin E and omega-3 fats, making them a natural addition to many diets. Their popularity has surged not only in Spain but across Europe, with steady annual growth in sales reported by industry observers.
A water-hungry plant in dry regions
However, avocados require a lot of water to grow and bear fruit. They act like a sponge, drawing substantial amounts of this scarce resource. Spain has faced water stress in various regions, including areas where avocado orchards are concentrated, such as Malaga and parts of Auxarquia, where tens of thousands of hectares are devoted to this crop and other water-intensive fruits. This pattern mirrors other crops cultivated in near-desert climates across the country.
According to water-use data, avocado cultivation can demand significant irrigation, with variations depending on cultivar, local climate, and agricultural practices. Estimates suggest annual water use per square meter varies widely, reflecting different growing conditions. In the early years of orchard development, weekly water needs can be substantial, rising as trees mature. These figures highlight the considerable water footprint associated with avocado production.
In light of these water demands, some countries in the region have adjusted policies related to avocado crops due to the impact on water resources amid drought conditions.
A notable carbon footprint
Water isn’t the only environmental concern. Avocados contribute to carbon emissions mainly through long-distance shipping required to bring them from abroad to markets in Europe. While avocados are grown domestically in parts of Spain, a large share of imports still comes from the Americas and other regions.
Spain imports thousands of tonnes of avocados each year, with major trade partners including Mexico and South American producers. The ongoing growth in avocado trade means more cargo movement by ships and trucks across European networks, contributing to air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.
Research tracking the emissions associated with avocado supply chains indicates that the combined process of growing, storing, and transporting avocados can produce substantially more CO2 per unit than some comparable fruits. For example, production and transport calculations show higher emissions per kilogram for avocados than for certain locally grown fruits, especially when the latter are sourced closer to consumption points. The Canary Islands, for instance, offset some transport impacts by shipping to the peninsula, but overall, the carbon footprint remains a factor in choosing fruits with lower transport distances (Asaja, 2021).
The environmental consequences extend beyond water and emissions. In some regions, avocado demand has driven agricultural adjustments that alter land use, including clearing additional forested areas to create new plantations. This trend reflects broader shifts in European consumer demand and the global food supply chain.
In sum, not all market-bought fruits have identical environmental impacts. Consumers may choose to favor locally grown, seasonal, and regionally produced options to minimize water use and transport emissions. Supporting local and seasonal produce tends to align with lower water demand and smaller carbon footprints.
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