Peru, the world's second-largest exporter of avocados, marked its inaugural "National Avocado Day" on Friday, aiming to expand the fruit market both at home and abroad. Launched by the Ministry of Agricultural Development and Irrigation, this holiday falls on the third Friday of August every year. Avocados are a staple in countless Peruvian households. On the site of the National Avocado Day event in Lima, Peru's capital, visitors enjoyed a diverse array of avocado dishes, including main courses and desserts that highlighted both traditional flavors and innovative recipes. The event also featured avocado-based products such as shampoo and oil, underscoring the fruit’s importance in everyday life. In 2024, Peru's avocado production reached 990,000 tons, with exports exceeding 570,000 tons to over 67 countries and regions, making Peru the second-largest exporter in the world, after Mexico. Avocados are planted in 20 of Peru's 26 regions, from coastal areas to highlands. This geographic diversity not only extends the commercial supply period but also enhances the competitiveness of Peruvian avocados in the global market. "Our avocados are excellent for cooking, especially the Hass avocado, which can remain good for over 30 days in transport," said Clotilde Kispe, an avocado industry chain expert with the Ministry of Agricultural Development and Irrigation. Miguel Espinoza, an avocado grower, emphasized the importance of the day. "I believe this day is indeed very, very important for Peru because, given our current production, it means we can supply more. Therefore, we need more markets," he said. The Ministry plans to continue fostering the avocado industry through public policies, aiming to support over 70,000 farming households in increasing their incomes while expanding international markets to promote Peruvian avocados worldwide. SHOTLIST: Lima, Peru - Aug 15, 2025 1. Exhibitors shaking hands; 2. Avocados; 3. Various of avocado dishes; 4. Avocado-based products; 5. SOUNDBITE (Spanish) Clotilde Kispe, avocado industry chain expert (ending with shot 6): "Our avocados are excellent for cooking, especially the Hass avocado, which can remain good for over 30 days in transport."; 6. Avocados; 7. Exhibitor, stall; 8. Bottled avocado oil; 9. Exhibitors posing for photo; 10. SOUNDBITE (Spanish) Miguel Espinoza, avocado grower (partially overlaid with shot 11): "I believe this day is indeed very, very important for Peru because, given our current production, it means we can supply more. Therefore, we need more markets."; [SHOTS OVERLAYING SOUNDBITE] 11. Avocados; [SHOTS OVERLAYING SOUNDBITE] 12. Performer in avocado costume; 13. Avocados. [Restrictions: No access Chinese mainland]