The peak of the fruit production season in the southern hemisphere falls between November and February. During this period China imports large volumes of cherries and blueberries. This puts a lot of pressure on other fruits in the Chinese market. The avocado is no exception. One avocado importer from Shanghai recently talked about the current conditions in the Chinese avocado market.
"The first Mexican avocados of the season were delayed in shipping, but conditions have much improved and our import avocados from Mexico now arrive on time. However, we do receive market feedback that shows the product quality of Mexican avocados to be unstable this season. Later shipments in particular have some poor quality avocados among them. That is why the price differences are quite big," said the avocado supplier from Shanghai.
"The Chilean production volume of avocados declined this season. And the product quality is not as good as last year, but still falls within regular margins. Compared to the general trend in the avocado market where product quality is unstable and prices fluctuate, the market conditions of Chilean avocados are quite stable and the price remains strong."
The Chilean avocado season continues until February. That is when Peruvian avocados enter the Chinese market. The first shipping containers with Peruvian avocados arrive in Chinese ports in early March. The seasons of cherries and blueberries are almost over. People in the industry expect market demand for avocados to start growing in late February. "The information we receive from production areas indicates that the product quality of Peruvian avocados will be quite good this season. We also hope to expand our sales of Peruvian avocados this season."
"The number of customers in restaurants went down because of the outbreak of Covid-19. That also means restaurants were not buying as much as before. That is why our deliveries to restaurants slowed down. However, we now see that restaurants are operating as usual again and the demand from restaurants has been growing steadily in the last few months. We have high hopes for the season of Peruvian avocados that begins in March. As for retail, the abundance of Chilean cherries undoubtedly diverted consumer spending away from avocados. The harvest of Chilean cherries was particularly rich this year and the price dropped by almost 50%. Many Chinese consumers are showing increased interest in imported fruit and many importers have expanded their purchase volume of cherries. This has only put more pressure on the sales of avocados. The sales conditions were not great so far."
Avocados are rich in nutrients. They are known as a 'super fruit' in China. The avocados can be eaten fresh, but restaurants are continuously developing new ways to eat avocados. For example, adding avocado to vegetable and meat dishes, or using avocado as an ingredient for cakes or drinks. "A growing number of consumers are familiar with this fruit. I think the avocado has a huge market potential in China," said the importer from Shanghai.