Peru's latest avocado season officially concluded in August. This season focused on trying to extend the harvest window, strengthening markets in Japan, Russia, and Canada, and launching a more aggressive strategy to expand in Asia. Exporters faced logistical issues, differences in calibers, and questions about dry matter content. Prices stayed steady early in the year but faced more pressure during peak supply months.
© Cultivemos
© Cultivemos
In this context, Cultivemos is working to extend its production window and meet international demands. Originally focusing on green-skinned varieties like Fuerte, Sutano, and Naval, the company has now strongly integrated Hass avocados, stabilizing operations from December to July. "The idea is that customers can count on quality fruit for more months of the year, something that international programs demand," stated Fernando Hidalgo, manager of Cultivemos.
"Currently, Japan is our most important market for Hass, accounting for nearly 50% of exports, followed by Russia with 30%, and Canada with 20%. The main markets for the green-skinned varieties are Russia and Turkey, each with 40%. Central Europe accounts for the remaining 20%. However, our strategy focuses on diversifying destinations and reducing reliance on a few buyers. Asia is our next target; we want to strengthen our presence in Korea, Thailand, Singapore, and China. None of these markets has a higher priority than another. However, since we adhere to high sanitary standards to enter Japan, accessing other Asian markets is easier for us," Hidalgo clarifies.
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We encountered several challenges during the 2025 season. Logistical delays, which in some cases lasted up to three weeks, made maintaining product quality difficult, especially in long-distance shipments. Additionally, size variability and dry matter problems in some Peruvian lots increased pressure on the reputation of the national avocado. While this wasn't always reflected in our shipments, the 'Peru' label affects us all. Improving controls to prevent unripe fruit from reaching its destination is essential," the manager stated.
Regarding prices, Hidalgo mentioned that demand continues to rise, but increased supply has lowered prices in several markets. "Our main window, between December and May, remained stable. However, prices were lower than last year in the months when supply peaked," he stated.
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Cultivemos is also aiming to diversify its portfolio with other products. "The company exported 236 containers of mangoes and about 40 containers of ginger this season. Cultivemos chose to prioritize its ginger shipments to the United States, Canada, and Central America, leaving Europe aside due to changing sanitary restrictions. International ginger prices fluctuated between $20 and $25 per box in August, although the market continues to show great volatility," he said.
"We plan to grow by 30% annually in avocados, explore new investments in grapes, and strengthen our presence in Asia," he concluded.
© Cultivemos For more information:
Fernando Hidalgo
Cultivemos
Tel.: +51 982 541 535
Email: [email protected]
www.cultivemos.pe
