Spanish avocados favoured by Chile and Israel's shortages

The Spanish Hass avocado campaign has been favoured so far by the production shortages of Chilean and Israeli competitors in the European market, according to Juan Antonio Reyes Gutiérrez, manager of the company Reyes Gutiérrez, who claims that "fortunately, prices have continued to rise with sales at a good pace." At the moment, Spanish avocados reach between 11 and 12.50 Euro for a 4 kilo box in Europe. They are also the most sought after.

For its part, Chile has been shipping fewer avocados to Europe due to drought issues, going from around 230,000 tonnes last year down to 140,000 tonnes this season. As regards the Israeli contingent, production volumes have been reduced due to the effects of frosts, although, according to Juan Antonio Reyes, "Israel's production is now starting to overcome these obstacles and will soon put some more pressure on prices."

Spain's production volume this year is expected to be similar to last season's, but with smaller calibres; an issue that already affected Chilean fruit and which Reyes Gutiérrez attributes to global warming.

"Climate changes are an important factor for Spanish avocados. The low temperatures in winter and extremely high summer temperatures are causing the trees to produce smaller calibres," he affirms.

Reyes Gutiérrez is based in the municipality of Vélez-Málaga, in the famous Axarquia, one of the few areas in Europe where it is possible to grow tropical fruits. With approximately 10 million kilos sold by the end of 2014, the company has its main export markets in the European Union.

Reyes Gutiérrez will attend Fruit Logistica, in Berlin. Visitors will find its stand in Hall 18 / A-02K.