The avocado market is currently going through a period of shortages. Tom Verbakel, responsible for avocados at Nature's Pride, explains the tight market with a glimpse into the situation per area of origin.
Chile
The number of containers that will be exported in the coming weeks, has once again been adjusted downwards, because Chile has even less produce than expected. In addition to a local market, which has been very good all season, the expected volumes haven't arrived. Chile will see its last containers arrive in Europe mid-April.
Spain
Contrary to November and December, during which Spain brought a lot of produce on the market at lower prices, they are now able to ask for more money because of the situation in Chile. The weather (wind and rain) also caused Spain a lot of trouble, causing irregularities in supplies.
Israel
Due to the storm and snow in January, the production - particularly the green skins in the north - have taken quite a blow. Due to the cold weather, we're seeing some quality issues at the moment, although that's bouncing back a bit. Israel also has several semi-Hass varieties, which are less suitable for ripening. For that reason, procurement is somewhat limited.
Peru
The first avocados from Peru are already on the market, but once again we're seeing mostly too low, dry masses, which means the fruit will never ripen optimally for the consumer. We're only expecting to see real volumes late April, early May.
For more information:
Tom Verbakel
Nature's Pride
Tel: +31(0)174-219155
tom@naturespride.nl
www.naturespride.nl