Spain: Pros and cons of exporting avocados and apricots to the U.S.

Spanish avocados are increasingly in demand because of their quality and closeness to the EU, Scandinavia and Eastern markets, and even the Middle East.

For now, the demand for Spanish avocados in these markets exceeds the available supply, and this will most likely continue to be so due to the fruit's positioning and to the fact that its acreage remains stable compared to other tropical products, such as mango.

For its part, Mexico, which is capable of producing all year round, is constantly increasing its production and exports to the United States, its most important market and where avocado consumption is on the rise. Mexico's logistical advantages due to its proximity to the United States, in addition to its lower production costs, will make competition for Spanish avocados very difficult, and according to sources within the sector, in case they are exported, they would mainly be directed to niche channels.

The Spanish Tropical Fruits Association believes that the product being allowed access to the United States gives it a positive image, since it is one of the most demanding markets, not only when it comes to plant protection and pest control, but also to quality.

Regarding apricots, Spain has been greatly increasing its production volumes for a few years and switching to new orange-fleshed varieties. Although the sector is not yet able to supply large volumes of flat peaches, nectarines or peaches available, this is expected to change for future campaigns.

Spain would mainly compete with the production from California, for which logistics costs would be similar if Spain ships in containers.

Nevertheless, the stonefruit export sector warns the shipment of apricots to faraway destinations, unlike for other fruits, is still very complicated, mainly because of its short shelf life, although there are great prospects for the new French or orange-fleshed varieties, as well as for the new developments in packaging.