"We are just over halfway through the season and have exported 8.5 million of the estimated 14.5m cartons (4kg) and the market is growing steadily year on year."
Derek puts this growth partly down to the increased recognition of the health benefits and diversity of the fruit, but also contributes the growing trend of retailers to sell ready-to-eat avocados which appeals to the modern shopper's demands, to the growing consumption.
Hass accounts for 60% of South Africa's exports, Donkin expects this proportion to increase to around 65% in coming years. "With a growing demand both in South Africa and abroad, we have been planting new orchards. 500 Ha will be planted this year to compliment the 15000 Ha that we already have. In addition to Hass, other new dark skinned varieties such as Carmen and Maluma are being planted, and they are ready for harvest earlier than Hass," explains Donkin.
South Africa are not the only ones supplying avocados at the moment, Donkin says Peru is having a good season with larger volumes than last year, but adds that a bit of competition is not a bad thing, as long as the market continues to grow.
South Africa also exports avocados to the Middle East and Africa and are working on gaining access to the US and Japanese market, but that will not happen this season explains Donkin.