The Tanzanian avocado season is coming to an end. The export campaign is still ongoing, and has been satisfactory with harvests meeting the standards of the destination markets. This is according to Jofrey Ombeni from the Onocado farm.
© Onocado
The exporter states: "Production-wise, this season's volumes were comparable to last season's, or even with a slight increase due to the maturity of the orchards planted in recent years. We reached peak harvests between March and September. Quality was really good, with large fruit and an average dry matter content of around 23-28%, which is well within international standards. "
Demand for Tanzanian avocados has been satisfactory and quite diversified for the exporter. He adds: "Our traditional markets in Europe and the Middle East have maintained strong demand and performed well. Exports to India, a relatively new market, have been steady. Demand is mainly for medium and large Hass avocados in Europe and India, and green-skinned avocados in the Middle East."
© Onocado
"We tried to export to East Asia, which is a promising market, but one that presents more challenges due to stricter phytosanitary requirements and longer transit times. After participating in the Asia Fruit Logistica trade show in Hong Kong, we learned that there is strong demand in this market, particularly in China, especially for large Hass avocados," Ombeni continues.
As usual, Tanzanian exporters are in direct competition with their Kenyan neighbors. Ombeni describes this competition as relatively calm: "We have the advantage of being a new entrant in this sector, with new orchards, large-scale investment in quality control and certifications. Our fruit is still new on the market and has untapped potential. All these advantages make Tanzania a reliable alternative source."
"We continue to export even though the season is coming to an end, but in limited quantities. The fruit from the latest harvests still meets quality standards, particularly in terms of dry matter," Ombeni concludes.
For more information:
Jofrey Ombeni
Onocado
Tel: +255719865116 / +255785271166
Email: [email protected]
www.onocadofarm.co.tz
