According to Jack Hall, of Giumarra, Mexico is very strong at this time, as its avocados are available all year round, and it plays a particularly important role in the U.S. market during the Super Bowl, in early February.
Chile's exports to the United States have declined slightly, as its own domestic market is growing and producers are managing to obtain higher prices. The Chilean peak season lasts from October to February.
For its part, California’s peak season starts just after the Super Bowl, so it still doesn’t play a very important role, but they will share the U.S. market with the Mexican supply during the coming months.
As for Peru, it will not have any avocados until April, so it does not have a share in the U.S. market during the Super Bowl.
During the weeks prior to this sporting event, between 50-70 million lbs of avocados are imported. This is the total import from California, Chile and Mexico. Prices, according to Hall, vary from year to year, depending on the market conditions. "Some years there are such large volumes that prices have to drop, but with lower volumes, prices soar. At this time of the year, anything can happen," explains Hall.
After the Super Bowl, it will take a few weeks for the market to return to normal. "There will still be a lot of volume left in the market. Due to these promotions also prices are somwhat higher. However, all the promotions right now are gearing towards the Super Bowl. After the game these promotions will slow down resulting in the market slowing down and normal prices return again."
Some of the services offered by the company include logistics, ripening, packing, technical advice, category management and marketing promotions.
More information:Giumarra Agricom International
Tel. West Coast: 760-480-8502
Tel. East Coast / Mid-West: 805-653-0297
Fax: 760-489-1870
E: jhall@giumarra.com
www.giumarra.com