Markets and Trade

Building more resilient avocado and pineapple value chains

FAO works with industry actors in the avocado and pineapple sectors to support resilience in the operations of the two value chains. The report Resilience assessment of avocado and pineapple value chains summarizes the challenges these sectors face, as well as the opportunities and areas for action to strengthen their resilience. The findings are based on an extensive literature review and consultations with some of the main actors from the global avocado and pineapple industries in Africa, Asia and Latin America. Two technical briefs summarizing the main results of the study, one for avocado and one for pineapple, are also available.

Based on the study results, FAO identified specific topics where businesses operating in the tropical fruit sector needed further support to strengthen resilience. Through consultation with project participants, the topic of monitoring, evaluation and learning (MEL) to track resilience and sustainability outcomes was prioritized. This was followed by enhancing the adoption of occupational health and safety practices at the workplace and improving natural resources management. To respond to these needs, FAO organized peer-learning events on innovative approaches to soil mapping and on occupational health and safety in the tropical fruit sector. An extensive technical guide on MEL was developed with the support of an advisory working group of industry actors.

Key resources on resilience:
Latest publications
Booklet
Integrating responsible business conduct in pineapple production and export – An introductory guide for trainers
15/10/2024

The FAO technical guide, “Responsible business conduct in the pineapple industry: a guide for producers and exporters”, was developed to support export-oriented...

Booklet
Gap analysis to support due diligence in the avocado and pineapple sectors
04/12/2023

The FAO-led project "Building responsible global value chains for the sustainable production and trade of tropical fruits" (GCP/GLO/022/GER) (the Responsible...

Policy brief
Opportunities for the tropical fruit sector to meet European Union regulations on maximum residue levels and pesticide use
18/01/2024

This technical brief explores the challenges and opportunities confronting the tropical fruit sector in meeting European Union (EU) regulations on maximum...

Brochure (factsheet; flyer/leaflet; Poster; banner)
Ideas for incentives to promote sustainable investment in the avocado and pineapple sectors - A paper for discussion purposes
31/03/2023

Incentives are one of many tools that governments can use to promote investment. Incentives may encourage the establishment or growth of a sector and...

More publications
Publication series
27/09/2024

Responsible business conduct (RBC), implemented through due diligence, can help avocado producers and businesses improve the sustainability of their operations and gain or maintain access to markets. By adopting RBC and due diligence processes, businesses can mitigate social and environmental risks, avoid financial losses, and enhance long-term profitability.

22/05/2024

Avocados, like other tropical fruits, are susceptible to food loss and waste due to their high moisture content and perishable nature. Factors including climate change, inadequate infrastructure and handling during harvesting, packaging and transportation increase the risk of food loss, impacting fruit supply and quality.

Projects