Avocados are one of the world's main crops and Peru is strengthening its outstanding position in the global fruit market. Peru is a country with a huge projection in this sector; its production of Hass avocados has grown by 14% between 2012 and 2016, well above the global average. Moreover, it has a reputation as a producer of the highest quality fruit, which has made it possible for it to sell to the most demanding markets. Thus, Peru has managed to consolidate itself as a leader in South America.
Claudio Albarracín, Country Manager Perú de San Miguel, explains that "thanks to our company's previous experience as leaders in citrus trade, we are able to deliver Hass avocados to our customers of the quality that the markets demand from us."
This year, the packing of Peruvian avocados started in week 17, specifically in the region of Chincha, in the south of the country. These batches consist of large calibre avocados from the first generation of flowers. The harvest in the region of Chepén, in the north, is then planned to start in week 19.
Overall, San Miguel plans to produce "about 5,350 tonnes of this fruit for export, which will be shipped mainly to Europe, but also to the United States and Asia," says Albarracín. "The Asian market, while still currently accounting for just 6% of all sales, is recording steady growth and certainly has potential for the future."
Future trends
Currently, there is a belief that the avocado market will end up collapsing, as all producing countries are increasing their production. In fact, few crops have grown as much, with an 8% increase over the last 10 years in the United States, as well as 10% in Europe. Albarracín believes that "although this is a high growth rate, sustained over time, and which has been accelerating in recent years, we are confident that, due to their versatility and high nutritional value, avocados have the potential to continue sustaining this trend in the future."
Claudio Albarracín, Country Manager Perú de San Miguel
Growers in South Africa are going to produce avocados all year round by cultivating different varieties in various production areas. Albarracín thinks that "such initiatives should not considerably affect our exports, given that South Africa's window to produce Hass avocados, the most appreciated by the market, remains the same. Also, Peru has a stronger position in the export market, as it exports almost 4 times more (211,000 tonnes in 2016 vs South Africa's 58,000 tonnes)."
"We are focused on improving our knowledge about the crop and consolidating our position as suppliers, but at the same time, we do not rule out the possibility of further growth in this segment."