The Florida avocado season is underway. “It started about three weeks ago which was a few weeks later this year. We’ll probably have fruit all the way through March,” says Eddie Caram of New Limeco.
He notes that in some varieties such as Donnie, there is about 15-20 percent less fruit this year compared to last year’s crop. “We had a heavier crop than usual of that variety last year and that could have affected it,” says Caram. “However we also had pretty cold weather in December and January and that also could have affected things. The other varieties seem to be okay though and similar to last year’s production.”
Future production
For New Limeco, it has also planted some later varieties so that there’s more fruit to fill in gaps within the harvesting of various types of Florida avocados. Production will happen on those new plantings this year and it will also continue to increase over the next two to four years. At the same time, Florida growers continue to contend with Laurel wilt, a disease that can kill avocado trees. “It is tough but we are trying to control it and replant as much as possible in our groves,” says Caram.
As for demand for Florida avocados, it remains steady and growing even, particularly given the fact that generally, avocado demand is strong and fueled partly by the health benefits associated with the fruit.
That said, pricing is fairly similar to last year at this time and Caram says it will likely remain steady until the end of the year.
For more information:
Eddie Caram
New Limeco
Tel: +1 (305) 258-1611
eddie@newlimeco.com
www.newlimeco.com