The improvement in the security situation in the Middle East has been welcomed with relief by Lebanese avocado growers. Over the past two seasons, the war in the Levant has plunged the sector into crisis in Lebanon, with many growers losing access to their land, while the war's impact on logistics has cut exporters off from key markets.
© Avocado Lebanon Association
Today, the situation gives hope for a successful upcoming season. This is according to Ola El Hariri from the Avocado Lebanon Association and the growing company Citrussa. The grower states: "The last two seasons have been difficult. The season before last was marked by intense fighting in the avocado-growing regions, which deprived many producers of access to their land and prevented them from carrying out their operations, and large areas could not be harvested. The situation improved last season, but logistical complications persisted, cutting us off from the European market."
Last season was nevertheless marked by a pleasing harvest in terms of quality and fruit size, according to El Hariri. She adds, "The quality was exceptional, it's a shame we weren't able to deliver to all our markets. Despite this, we still got good prices on the local market and in the Gulf countries."
© Avocado Lebanon Association
"With the conflict in the region now resolved, everything points to a much better season ahead. The key to a successful season will be smooth logistics. Above all, we hope to see a lower risk and therefore lower cost of maritime transport, as well as the resumption of shipping in the Red Sea. Improved security conditions are also paving the way for the reopening of the Saudi market, which is very important for Lebanese exporters of all fresh produce," El Hariri continues. In 2021, Saudi Arabia banned imports of Lebanese fruit and vegetables, dealing a severe blow to the sector.
© Avocado Lebanon Association
According to El Hariri, the improvement in the business environment is accompanied by advances on the ground: "The area planted with avocado trees has increased in recent years. It has now reached maturity and entered production, with emphasis on the Hass variety, which is the most in demand in most markets. The infrastructure needed for export is also improving. In terms of demand, the avocado processing industry is growing rapidly both domestically and internationally, providing an outlet for second-grade fruit and supporting overall prices. We are therefore approaching the season with great hope and optimism."
For more information:
Ola El Hariri
Avocado Lebanon Association
Tel: +9613182838
Email: [email protected]
