Mexico has the highest total avocado consumption globally, with around 1.6 million tonnes consumed in 2024. Per capita, the Dominican Republic leads, consuming approximately 49 kilograms per person annually. The United States and the Dominican Republic follow with significant consumption figures as well. Mexico’s favorable climate and deep-rooted culinary traditions have solidified its position in avocado production. Avocado demand continues to grow globally, impacting food cultures beyond their regional origins.
A few years ago, avocados were largely a regional staple and were commonly served at restaurants specialising in cuisines that used them extensively. They are on toast, in salads and smoothies, and, of course, in the classic guacamole. It no longer sounds like a joke to say that avocados are available at local vendors; in many parts of the world, that is simply the reality. Yet, which country eats the most avocados? However, that popularity does not mean avocados are inexpensive in Mexico. The USDA notes that the fruit is still considered a relatively expensive food compared with other fruits and is not included in Mexico’s basic food basket. That makes the avocado much more than a trendy brunch ingredient. In Mexico, it remains an everyday food with deep culinary roots. These figures show that avocado consumption is not confined to Mexico. The fruit has become deeply embedded in food cultures across Latin America and the Caribbean, where it is commonly eaten alongside everyday meals. The growing appetite in the US has helped transform the avocado from a fruit strongly associated with particular regions and cuisines into a mainstream global food.
Today, however, they have become a global food obsession.
A country’s food culture, before globalisation, was not built around trends. It was shaped by the ingredients available locally and seasonally. Avocados in Mexico have a similar story. From Mexican guacamole to Caribbean dinner plates and American avocado toast, it has become a global food favourite. But when it comes to eating the most avocados, Mexico takes the crown by total volume, while the Dominican Republic leads when consumption is measured per person.