The first Hass from Afrupo is scheduled to arrive this week (wk 16). The arrival will consist of Maluma Hass, a new Hass-like variety that is, in certain areas, ready for harvesting earlier than normal (www.allesbeste.com/maluma). The first limited volumes of normal Hass are scheduled for arrival in week 17. Kruger explains, "Maturity levels are monitored very closely in order to ensure optimal ripening."
The growing season has been fair this season and volumes look good – but fruit size is smaller than previous years. "We received higher than normal rainfall in January 2013, while February and March were drier than normal. April brought some welcome rain but it delayed harvesting programs. Greenskin cultivars volumes are definitely down in comparison to last season."Quality seems good, but Greenskin cultivar volumes are definitely between 20 to 30% down in comparison to last season.
Afrupo's main markets are still the EU & UK, but they plan to slowly grow their presence in the Middle and Far East. The Russian market became an important market for Greenskin avocados and is serviced mainly via Rotterdam by Dutch traders.
Kruger says that different markets show clear preference for different varieties and sizes, "The UK market prefers Hass, while Germany seems to be slowly moving over from Greenskins to Hass. The development of the Russian market is very important for the Greenskin cultivars.”
In the South African domestic market demand has grown due to the marketing drives managed by SAAGA and is at present a good alternative market opportunity for especially Fuerte. The Hass cultivar is also more and more accepted by the local market with local ripe and ready programs preferring Hass for ripening.
For more information:
Wiedse Kruger
Afrupo Exporters
Tel: +27 (0) 15 307 7096(7)
Mob: +27 (0) 82 803 0358
Email : [email protected]
www.afrupro.co.za
