This chapter is a general introduction to avocado cultivation and crop, the development and current status of the avocado industry. It describes the origin and history of the avocados, the distribution, the global production and economical value. It demonstrates the high nutritional and health values of avocado fruit, which are leading to a significant rise in global consumption and therefore to a significant rise in global demand, cultivation, export and import. Important pre-harvest and postharvest management practices are briefly discussed. Ecological and other consequences of the boom in the avocado cultivation and the challenges that the industry face in order to maintain a sustainable growth are discussed. Some suggestions for improved pre-harvest, postharvest and marketing management practices, as well as some research needs have been made. The chapter briefly describes the contents of the chapters of the book, the aims and objectives of the book, and lists some of the important institutions and organizations that deal with important research and development of avocado in different countries.