AU: Avocado growers must work together
Jennie Franceschi, Managing Director of the Avocado Export Company, says that Western Australian is in an "off season", the bi-annual part of the cycle that sees less fruit produced, but the East Coast should, theoretically produce a good crop. However, she points out also that recent bad weather means the situation needs to be re-evaluated. General Manager of Sunfresh Marketing Co-op, Judy Prosser, agrees.
"Volumes out of North Queensland have been up on last year and there has been controlled picking to ensure there was no glut on the market floors. The crop out of Bundaberg has been down from what was forecast because of the flooding and cyclonic conditions at the end of January. The Hass season on the Eastern seaboard is looking lighter than last year, the rain having had a dramatic quantity effect on quantity to be harvested this season."
Both Jennie and Judy say that exports are going well right now. Judy says that the export markets were initially slow to take up the Shepard variety, due to Western Australian Hass being in the market longer than expected. However, now this has been cleared Shepard is doing well, as Jennie says: "Booming! Moving lots of fruit...surprised at the volume actually. So - looking good!"
"There is a little competition (in export markets)," Jennie says, "with USA and Spanish Hass for one, but once we are into good volumes and quality I think we will be fine."
Judy is also confident that Australian avocados can cope with the competition. "Australian produce always commands repeat sales because of quality."
The domestic market is also performing well, seeing a rise on previous year's showing the benefits of considerable industrial investment over the years. Also, with the Western Australian Hass season being extended, consumers have been able to get Australian product right the way through to the Shepard season starting.
With markets, both home and overseas performing well, the only worry, especially with the after effects of the weather to contend with and New Zealand also being in an "off season," is that there may not be enough Hass around this year to meet demand.
Judy says however, that the industry can deal with this by pulling together. "Growers must continue to work together to manage a good flow onto market floors and into chain stores."