“Guatemalan avocados are almost year round available, however, with some ups and downs depending on the month. At the moment we have low quantities, so there is insufficient product to supply the local demand. Our main season will be from October to May, but we are working with our growers towards having export quantities all year round”, says Luis Fernando Teo from Frutesa, Guatemala. He explains that their first shipment of avocados has been well received in the European market. “It was a success. Clients were happy with the quality of the avocado and most of all flavor. We now have to work on the production side of our business, to have enough product available to offer at the right time. The European market has favorable prices and I think this is going to maintain, as the demand for avocados is very high.”
Frutesa celebrated their 34th anniversary on June 17th this year. The business started 34 years ago, when quality and phitosanitary regulations were not as strict as they are nowadays explains Luis. “Markets have evolved and are more conscious about the benefits of consuming fruits and vegetables. At the same time there is more awareness of the chemicals and pesticides growers use on the fields.”
Moreover, another change explained by Luis is the technology, as when they started it was only possible to export our products by air. “With the technology of Modified Atmosphere Packaging, we are able to export our products by sea, with longer transit times and at better freight costs.”
Even though the market has been changing, Frutesa proudly follows their mission and values that have been set since the beginning: “We are an exporting company with a strong supply chain that links the Guatemalan farmers with importers and consumers abroad, bringing them healthy products with the highest quality standards”. Luis continues: “We always have our mission in mind to keep growing and strengthening our business relations with both our growers and clients, in order to give the right quality and service.”
“In October last year, we moved to a bigger packing house, which gave us the opportunity to increase our packing capacity and as well to diversify with new products. Our following objectives are to increase our market share of Snow Peas and Sugar Snaps in Europe through our existing clients. As well to consolidate our new business of fresh avocados in Europe. We are also going to start our avocado business with our existing clients which have been very interested to develop this new origin (for them) with us”, concludes Luis.
More information:
Luis Fernando Teo
Frutesa
Guatemala
T: 502 2245 5100
E: Luis.teo@frutesa.com
www.frutesa.com