This year, avocado sales have been particularly variable. During lockdown, avocados sold very well, at relatively high prices. “Prices have mostly increased, especially in April. In the end, the market was excellent for the Spanish origin, despite a difficult start of the campaign due to quality issues linked to weather events,” explains Gérard Lliso, manager of Select Agrumes at the MIN of Rungis.
"An excess of supply in the summer led to a drastic drop in prices”
But the trend reversed itself in July. “The Spanish avocado season ended in late April. Then, there was a massive arrival from Peru on the European market. Between 400 and 600 containers were shipped every week. This excess of supply made prices drop, to the point that we had rarely experienced such a situation before. Wholesale prices were then around 5 to 8 euros [5.9 to 9.4 USD] per package. Given the situation, Peru reduced its exports and the market finally cleared up, gradually rebalanced and prices went back up in August to 10-12 euros [11.7-14.1 USD] per package,” explains Gérard.
“The Peruvian season is now coming to an end, prices are particularly high and the quality is good”
Since the beginning of September, prices have been increasing steadily. “The Peruvian season is coming to an end. The supply decreases from week to week and prices have increased even more since the beginning of the school year. For a few weeks now, the avocados have gained almost 1 euro [1.2 USD] per package. Since September, prices were around 12-13 euros [14.1-15.2 USD]. Last week, we reached 17 euros [19.9 USD] and we will sell at 18.5 euros [21.7 USD] this week..
The quality as the season ends is optimal. The avocados have a very good fat content with the hazelnut aftertaste of the Hass avocado, so popular among consumers.”
“Prices should remain high at least until the arrival of the Spanish origin”
The Spanish avocado season should start somewhere in November. “I believe that prices will remain high until the beginning of the Spanish campaign. We are therefore guaranteed to maintain good prices in October and November. And generally, except for last year, Spain starts the season with relatively high prices by voluntarily exporting very little merchandise.”
For more information:
Gérard Lliso
Select Agrumes
31 rue Avignon,
94 550 Rungis Complexe, France
Phone: +33 (0) 6 73 84 22 17
gerard@select-agrumes.com
www.select-agrumes.com