Kenya and Peru's avocado seasons have just started. It's just about to begin in Colombia too. "Current demand is good. Prices are high, between €10 and €13," says Ruud Kester. His Dutch company, Lyna Trade, connects growers and importers. "Peru is charging high prices at the moment. That's because of the good prices China is paying for those avocados."
"There isn't much trade available yet. But that will increase considerably the coming month." He expects avocado sales to run smoothly in the coming weeks. "But we'll need that. There will be large volumes coming from Peru this year. From next week onwards, more product will be coming this way every week.
"Many countries have begun cultivating avocados. Just think of Tanzania, Colombia, but also Guatemala. In Africa, too, Kenyan growers, for example, switch quite abruptly to avocado cultivation. That's after difficult years in coffee. That means the market will definitely be saturated more often," explains Ruud.
"Avocados are fairly expensive to grow. And the more players there are, the earlier panic will ensue. Many growers look at China's potential. But there's no guarantee that the current growth there will continue. Besides, local Chinese production isn't standing still either."
He's satisfied with the start he made with Lyna Trade. "At the beginning of the year, there was a sudden shortage of avocados. Then the ball started rolling, and the prospects look good. For instance, we've now agreed on a full-season program. That's with China from Peru. We're in talks to extend this with Chilean and South African Lamb Hass avocados too," Ruud concludes.
For more information:
Ruud Kester
Lyna Trade
Tel: +31 (0)646 093 566
Email: ruud@lyna-trade.com
Website: www.lynatrade.nl