While the October-November period is usually marked by a slowdown in activity, the market seems to have literally come to a standstill this year. "Almost all products are affected," according to a French operator. This is partly due to the school holidays and the tax deadlines of the season - taxes and property taxes - which weigh heavily on consumption. Avocados are no exception to this gloomy outlook, especially as the sector is currently in a transitional phase with the imminent end of the Peruvian origin.
A "disappointing" end to the Peruvian season
"The Peruvian season is drawing to an end, and we are gradually moving towards the Moroccan and Spanish origins. While there are still some residual volumes, supply is declining and should come to an end very soon," explains the operator. The Peruvian campaign went well overall, despite higher volumes and lower prices than last year, but the end of the season was disappointing. "We were expecting prices to rise and the market to be more dynamic, as is usually the case this time of year. But it did not happen. Over the last three weeks, prices have only gone down." Once again, this trend can be explained by the sluggish demand in the market.
"The Moroccan market seems more buoyant"
The Moroccan and Spanish origins are now preparing to take over from Peru. "Until the beginning of November, the Mediterranean volumes will be low, as is the case every year. "But the market should pick up again in November." While forecasts remain difficult to date, early indications from Morocco point to a drop in production. "According to the initial information we have, Moroccan production will be lower than last year. The Moroccan domestic market is also expected to be fairly dynamic, reducing the volumes available for export and helping to keep prices high. Some suppliers are forecasting a fairly tight European market, with firm prices for the Moroccan origin."
