California-based global avocado marketer, Index Fresh, said it is excited for the Peruvian avocado coming to market starting late May. The Peru season started at the end of May continuing to early September, with peak volumes in July and August.
“Index Fresh has been working in Peru even before they had access to the US market, and Peruvian fruit has played a key role in our summer marketing since the beginning. We’re excited for this season and it looks like it’ll be a good summer for all growers from all countries,” said Giovanni Cavaletto, Vice President of Sourcing at Index Fresh. This is the tenth year of Index Fresh working with Peruvian avocados.
According to Index Fresh, with the growing significance of avocados in Peru, it is projected that over the next five years of production, it will be close to a billion pounds, which will place them as a very important source of summer fruit.
“There will be a little less Peruvian volume than last year the US market because it’s a slightly off year for the country, as last year was an on year for growing,” he said. While working with Peru growers, Index Fresh said it offers value-added programs including ripening, bagging, and RPC’s.
“Peru is shipping out 165 million pounds [of avocado] to the US, that’s 20-25 percent of their crop. Europe remains their prime destination for avocados,” said Cavaletto. On an annual basis, Peru represents around 8 percent of the avocados sold in the US. During peak Peru season that number goes up to 25 percent, making them an important supplier June-August.
For more information:
Sofia Schlapkohl
Index Fresh
Tel: +1 (909) 877-1577
sschlapkohl@indexfresh.com
www.indexfresh.com