Now that the avocado season has come to an end in the Iberian Peninsula, the market is keeping a close eye on the development of the summer supply, which is expected to significantly increase. Meanwhile, the mango market is in a delicate moment of transition between different sources and there is already beginning to be interest in Spanish mangoes due to the good crop prospects.
For Reyes Gutiérrez, the results of the 2024/2025 domestic avocado season have been very positive. "We are on track to resume pre-pandemic growth and hope to reach around 25,000 tons of fresh fruit and 10,000 tons of processed products via our subsidiary Avomix," says Juan Antonio Reyes Gutiérrez, CEO of the company.
"Of the 600 hectares we have in Spain and Portugal, many plantations are between 2 and 4 years old, so volumes are increasing very considerably each year. This season, several plots in our Los Nogales farm, located between the provinces of Malaga and Cadiz, have reached 18 tons per hectare. These are 4-year-old plantations, and fruit quality is high," says Juan Antonio.
"On a commercial level, we have secured many clients with our own plantations, offering a comprehensive service from field to final destination, with the certainty of product quality and supply security that so many clients need," he says.
The increase in volume expected for this summer makes it vital to promote avocado consumption
According to Juan Antonio Reyes, the avocado season in Peru is starting off quite well in terms of quality. "Comparing the situation in the production areas to that of the previous season, we are seeing better ripening in terms of dry matter percentage and fat content," says Juan Antonio Reyes. "As far as volumes are concerned, according to estimates made in the last few weeks by different associations and growers, there has been a considerable increase of around 30% compared to the previous season," he says.
"In general, excellent quality is expected from our supply coming from various sources, which will translate into higher consumption by our clients. This increase in volume makes it vital to promote the product, so that those who already consume avocados will buy more, and those who are not yet consumers will become so," says Juan Antonio Reyes.
"The growth that Morocco is experiencing is forcing us to become more professional"
Reyes Gutiérrez has plantations in Morocco where they have young trees that will become fully productive in the next few years. "We expect a potential production of around 3,000 tons in Morocco, although our greatest interest is in the Iberian Peninsula, where we want to reach between 800 and 900 hectares in the next year and 1,000 hectares in the following years," says Juan Antonio Reyes.
"We currently have exclusive marketing agreements with local producer partners in Morocco, to whom we are advising and transferring our know-how about production techniques, which guarantees that we can obtain the quality that our avocados are renowned for, regardless of their origin," he says.
According to Juan Antonio Reyes, "the growth that Morocco is achieving and will continue to achieve in the coming years is forcing us to become more professional and efficient in order to remain competitive. Not only are they growing in terms of acreage, but also in terms of average production per hectare, not to mention that their commercial window is very similar to ours. We have to carry out a sustainability study and give a boost to our production on the mainland."
"We are beginning to feel the enthusiasm of our clients for the next Spanish mango season"
As far as mangoes are concerned, Reyes Gutiérrez is in transition between different sources. "With the Peruvian season finished, we are now switching to Brazil, Ivory Coast, Mali, and Senegal. Like any transition, it is not easy, but with the help of our partners at source, we are planning the campaigns in advance to identify market trends and have supplies ready for our programs."
The Spanish mango season won't start until September. "The trees are currently in bloom and it's still too early for any accurate estimates to be made, but taking into account that we have around 5,000 hectares of mangoes, the quality of the blossom, the little presence of diseases and the water reserve levels, we can be optimistic in expecting the production to reach between 50,000 and 60,000 tons," says Juan Antonio Reyes.
"Unfortunately, the lack of water resources we suffered in the previous season led to a more limited supply of Spanish mangoes - specifically those from Malaga - on the shelves of Spanish and European supermarkets, and this has had a positive impact, because consumers have had the opportunity to compare. This is why this year we are beginning to feel the enthusiasm of our clients, given that the harvest's prospects are magnificent and we once again have the tools to achieve the usual quality," he says.
The company is making a significant commitment to organic crops. "For us, sustainability is not an option, but the foundation of our way of understanding the avocado business, and this is why we are converting our farms into organic farms. The organic market is expected to achieve the greatest growth in the coming years. We have this same vision for all of our products, including our guacamole and salsa line," says the Reyes Gutiérrez CEO.
For more information:
Juan Antonio Reyes
Reyes Gutiérrez
Tel.: +34 952 50 56 06
jarg@reyesgutiérrez.com
www.reyesgutierrez.com