Ets Meseguer started marketing the Spanish Hass avocados four weeks ago. “Like last year, the quality of the avocados is very good,” says Benoît Maillard-Guillon. The importer based at Rungis started marketing with very little volume, but the supply is increasing, without being abundant. They try to regulate the production according to the needs. It is going very well: after a week of harvest, they manage to supply us with what we can sell within a week.”
Benoît explains that the demand for avocados on the French market is still good. “The avocado has become quite a common product in France. In general, a good avocado is always consumed. The increased demand was also driven by the suppliers who facilitated access to the product by proposing different origins throughout the year.”
Covid-19 caused the consumption to change slightly
The decisions made by the French government to fight the spread of Covid-19 affect the market. “The closure of stores at 6pm has slightly changed the consumption patterns,” explains Benoît. “In the big cities, most of the consumption usually takes place after 6pm, so the market is a little slower. But on weekends, people consume and the demand is back on track. In general, the avocado sales are quite good. However, the fresh products are not what sells best on the fruit and vegetable market at the moment. Given the current context, the demand increases mostly for canned goods and frozen products.”
According to Benoît, the closure of restaurants only had a small impact on the market. “The consumption mainly dropped in supermarkets. Also, we must not underestimate the volumes consumed by the restaurants that now have a home-delivery option, such as many Asian restaurants, one of the largest consumers of avocados.”
High prices
The avocado remains an expensive product everywhere in Europe. “This concerns the Spanish Hass, which is always a reference in terms of taste. Morocco started with slightly lower volumes this year, which is why the Moroccan avocados are quite expensive. And in response to this, Spain has increased its prices.”
For more information:
Benoît Maillard-Guillon
Ets Meseguer
Phone: +33 146 864 170
benoit@etsmeseguer.fr
www.etsmeseguer.fr