Up to week 19, the second week of May, Peru had exported approximately 28% of the total volume of Hass avocado projected for the 2021 season. On the north coast there has been a slight delay in the export volumes reaching their peak due to the weather but volumes are expected to recover and high quality to be maintained.
“The season has been good and developed as we had forecast,” according to Omar Diaz, General Manager of Westfalia Fruit Peru. “As part of the Westfalia Fruit Group we have successfully increased our export markets as the global demand for avocados continues to grow.”
Westfalia Fruit Peru expects to export 2,000 containers of avocado this season, representing a 30% increase over last season. Westfalia Fruit Peru has the benefit of a wide supply base, working with growers from fourteen different regions of Peru. As a result, they have successfully extended the avocado season to almost a year-long harvest. The main season runs from February to September, with a smaller later season running until December, January is the only month in which they are not harvesting.
“To support the ongoing development of our growers and orchards we have four nurseries growing plants from seed and clonal rootstocks. The nurseries are situated in strategic locations across Peru that allow us to provide good quality plant material that is climatised to the specific geography of the area. Our nurseries have been key in successfully and sustainably extending the season and maintaining high quality and a balanced flavour.”
As part of the integrated supply chain, Westfalia Fruit Peru also provide growers with agronomic and technical assistance in crop management. A pivotal part of their commitment to growers is to work with them to achieve international accreditations which ensures good agricultural, social and environmental practices are naturally part of their business. Recognised global accreditations also opens up export opportunities to markets that may not have been accessible before. The demand for organic avocados continues to grow and the company has significantly increased the number of certified organic growers over the last few years.
Westfalia Fruit Peru has a broad export market, and regularly provide avocados and other fresh produce to fourteen countries, across five continents mainly in Europe, Asia and America. Globally the demand for avocados continues to increase, Asia, in particular over the last few years has seen the market grow and it is an area they see the most potential.
“We have been working with our customers in Asia on specific campaign promoting the health benefits and quality of avocados. The majority of our business is fresh produce, however we have been developing the value added area of our operations and export both avocado and IQF Mango. The IQF products gives us access to additional customers as well as the benefit of reducing waste – a key element of both our local and globally the Westfalia Group’s sustainability plan.”
Westfalia grows, sources, ripens, packs, processes and markets accredited avocados across the globe throughout the year. Value-added products include avocado oil, low-preservative guacamole, frozen avocado and dried fruit.
Westfalia grows fruit in all major origins in the Americas and Africa and sources from partner orchards, giving them the most diverse avocado-growing footprint in the world.
The company supplies retail, wholesale and food-service customers, with sales offices in the UK, Europe, North America, Latin America and southern Africa. Fruit is packed in diverse formats and ripened to deliver optimal eating quality.
For more information:
Janine Hatfield
Westfalia Fruit International
Tel: +44 1322 425512
Email: Janine.Hatfield@westfaliafruit.com
www.westfaliafruit.com