Back in May the estimate for avocado exports from South Africa was reduced from 18.5 4kg cartons down to 16m cartons, the season is now 70% complete and the estimate remains the same.
At the start of the export season South Africa enjoyed some room on the European market and prices were very good, that changed in June when the anticipated large volumes from Peru arrived.
“At the moment the European market is over supplied,“ explained Derek Donkin from Subtrop. “The Peruvians have now reduced weekly shipment volumes which should take the pressure off the market, but it will probably take 3-4 weeks to clear the existing supplies.”
In South Africa strikes and delays at the ports due to high winds and COVID-19 measures are having an effect on the avocado exports as well as the citrus exports,
“For South African growers/exporters who were in the European market early it should turn out to be a good season, for those who didn’t get in before the large volumes of Peruvian fruit arrived it may be a different story, but it is difficult to give an overall judgement until the season is complete.”
For more information:
Derek Donkin
Subtrop
Tel: +27 15 307 3676
Email: info@subtrop.co.za
www.avocado.co.za