The avocado market is currently stable, observes Starfruit's Ive Lambert. "It's a product that can sometimes sell extremely well, but it never really hits rock bottom. However, there's always something changing. Right now, we're seeing very few small sizes coming in, while larger calibers from various origins are more abundant," says the dealer from the Flemish import company.
"This creates pressure at both ends of the spectrum," he continues. "The limited supply of smaller sizes drives up prices, but on the other hand, supermarkets have set strict requirements for specific calibers in recent years. This often disregards seasonal availability. For instance, they might demand size 16, but if there are very few of them available, they simply insist, 'That's unfortunate, but we still want them.' Meanwhile, the larger calibers flood the market, leading to significant price differences."
"We are currently sourcing mainly from Colombia and Morocco, both of which have an abundance of larger fruit. Spain is also in the market, but their avocados are simply too expensive compared to other origins. Their production volumes are lower, and domestic consumption is high, meaning only small quantities make it to export," Ive explains. "If there's a real shortage, we may have no choice but to buy from Spain, but with price differences of €1 to €1.50 per box, it becomes difficult to sell. Customers will opt for alternatives wherever possible, especially in the current economic climate, where everyone is cautious with spending."
The trader does not expect significant changes in the coming weeks. "Peruvian avocados are now trickling in, but it will take a few more weeks before supply increases. We're currently in a period where production from outlying regions is minimal, so volumes will take time to pick up." Still, he notes, the market continues to move steadily. "Demand is always there. Avocados have become such a staple product that they sell year-round. There are occasional peaks, but very few real slumps—unlike the lime market right now."
"Limes are really struggling. A large supply is arriving, but most of it consists of small sizes with mediocre quality. On top of that, the weather here isn't great, which is dampening demand. As a result, prices have dropped dramatically, and this situation isn't likely to change anytime soon. For the lime market to recover, we need better size distribution, improved color quality, and, above all, better weather conditions to drive demand again," he concludes.
For more information:
Ive Lambert
Starfruit
Werkhuizenkaai 112
Brussels - Belgium
+32 (0)2242 0876
[email protected]
www.groupadw.be/starfruit
