"Mexico: "Exporting avocados to Asia and the US is equally interesting"

Demand for Mexican Hass avocados is on the rise, especially in China. The company Hurtanava has been producing and packing Hass avocados for almost 25 years. "First, it was for the domestic market and later we expanded to Central America. We are currently shipping to North America, Europe and Asia," explains Eduardo Rodríguez Cervantes, export manager at Hurtanava. According to the trader, this expansion took place just two years ago, and he also affirms that their facilities have grown exponentially. "We now have a greater production capacity, which allows us to supply not only the domestic market, but also Canada, the US, Asia and Europe, as well as processing companies."

Rodríguez explains that Mexican Hass avocados face considerable competition against producers like Peru, Chile or California, among others, although the quality of Mexican avocados is appreciated worldwide. Fortunately, there is also plenty of demand, which is growing especially in Asia, particularly in China. For this reason, the company wants to be present in this market. "Right now, our priority is to pack for overseas markets, in this case the United States and Asia, without leaving Europe aside, which is also important."

"It is extremely difficult to enter the Asian market; however, we are confident that, in time, both the calibres and aesthetic appearance of the fruit will be better appreciated, so that this doesn't become a factor ultimately making the product more expensive."

Currently, the company exports by land to the United States and Canada and by air to Asia and Europe. "The costs are very high, but it is the only way to ensure that the product reaches its destination in optimal condition. At the start of the season, maritime shipments will be resumed."

As regards the impact of the weather conditions on the production, Rodríguez believes that all agricultural activities, without exception, rely on what nature dictates. "We are particularly sensitive to the impact of frost and hail. Excess rainfall can cause a fungal disease that we cannot easily stop, and that damages the fruit's quality, which makes it a bit more difficult to meet the market demand." In any case, he adds that they have always achieved this goal.