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Avocado shortage in South Africa worsens due to harvest delays and logistical challenges

Retail group Woolworths has acknowledged a current shortfall in avocado availability, attributing this situation to altered harvest schedules in KwaZulu-Natal, diminished yields in the Eastern Cape, and logistical hurdles in Tanzania. This scarcity is particularly pronounced in January, a period traditionally difficult for avocado supply in South Africa due to the fruit being out of season. An industry expert corroborated this seasonal challenge to News24.

In response to inquiries from News24, Woolworths conveyed that it is actively addressing the issue, with a focus on ensuring the continuous availability of fresh produce for its customers. The retailer has implemented various strategies to navigate the historically challenging month of January, including sourcing avocados from alternative suppliers such as Tanzania to compensate for the local shortfall. The retailer highlighted that the current scarcity is primarily due to shifts in harvesting periods in KwaZulu-Natal, reduced production volumes from Eastern Cape growers, and logistical delays affecting Tanzanian avocado imports.

Woolworths also noted the phenomenon of alternate bearing cycles in avocado trees, which can result in lower harvest volumes during certain years, as experienced by its Eastern Cape suppliers. However, the retailer remains optimistic that upcoming harvests from Mozambique and Limpopo will alleviate supply constraints in the near future.

Derek Donkin, CEO of the SA Subtropical Growers' Association (Subtrop), confirmed the broader context of the avocado shortage in South Africa, attributing it to the off-season status of avocados in January. He also mentioned that a robust export market last year contributed to the current market scarcity.

Other major retailers, including Food Lover's Market and SPAR, have also reported reduced avocado volumes, with variations in availability across different stores. Pick n Pay, however, has managed to maintain consistent avocado availability through strategic partnerships with growers in the Cape and KwaZulu-Natal regions, anticipating an improvement in supply by the end of January.

Source: news24

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