Peru and South Africa are the main avocado suppliers to Europe and the UK at the moment. This is the peak seasons from those countries. Peru is supplying 64% of the EU market, South Africa 14%, Columbia 10% and Kenya 7% (other sources 5%).
“From our perspective, and the suppliers we are working with, we are very pleased with how both of these origins are performing. There are challenges wherever you are working from at the moment.,” said Mark Everett, Business Unit Director for avocados at Worldwide Fruit.
“South African supply is consistent at the moment after trouble accessing containers earlier in the season. The current riots taking place in the country are concerning and may affect supply down the line. Quality is better than last year when there were delays in South Africa and in shipping and fruit was at sea for longer. Peruvian supply was hindered by strikes early on and there was one week where we couldn’t load any product but those have stopped now. Quality from Peru is also very good.”
Last year during lockdown retails sales were up across the board, and Worldwide Fruit who predominately supply the retailers saw an increase in demand. Since the re-opening of food service and hospitality retail sales have eased off a bit but they are still strong according to Mark.
“For suppliers it is difficult to predict how the demand will be in the next 4-6-8 weeks, at the moment things are relatively stable and close to what we have planned. Hospitality is not running at full speed yet, it is likely to be a slow transition. Good weather which is forecast this weekend will mean an increase in sales as people have more salad and eat alfresco.”
For more information:
Mark Everett
Worldwide Fruit
Tel: +44 1775 717019
mark.everett@worldwidefruit.co.uk
www.worldwidefruit.co.uk