Markets and Trade

Building more resilient avocado and pineapple value chains

The Responsible Fruits Project team 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 derived from 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, the project team 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; followed by enhancing the adoption of occupational health and safety practices at the workplace and improving natural resources management. To respond to these needs, the project organized peer-learning events on innovative approaches to soil mapping and on occupational health and safety in the tropical fruit sector. The project is developing a technical guide on MEL together with an advisory working group of industry actors.

Key project resources on resilience available to date:
Latest publications
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...

Book (stand-alone)
Responsible business conduct in the avocado industry: a guide for producers and exporters
16/07/2024

This guide aims to support growers and businesses operating in the global avocado industry in their efforts to implement responsible business conduct...

Project publications
Publication series
24/07/2023

To better understand current and future climate risks and their impact on avocado production and trade, as well as how to prepare for, and deal with these risks, the Responsible Fruits Project, working in partnership with key players in the avocado sector, produced a technical guide on climate change adaptation.

29/09/2023

This brief highlights the potential of multistakeholder initiatives to benefit producers and companies by fostering sustainability and resilience within tropical fruit value chains. The tropical fruit sector faces many risks, including pests and diseases becoming resistant to phytosanitary products, hazardous labour practices, deforestation, and vulnerability to external shocks, such as climate change and economic downturns.

Projects