"In the month of August, avocado consumption and prices were particularly low, as they always are," says Giorgio Donnarumma, sales manager of Milan-based Nuovafrutta. "This year, in my opinion, the available quantity of fruit was lower than in the same period in previous years. And it was still showing the same low prices."
"The Peruvian season of Hass avocados is coming to an end, and well in advance. There will continue to be produce all week. There are still Hass avocados from Colombia and Kenya as well, but it is difficult to find the sizes suitable for the Italian market, which are 10, 12 and 14. The Colombian and Kenyan fruit is mostly of sizes 18, 20 and 22." Sizing is really a limiting factor for sales in Italy.
"Since last week we have witnessed a slight increase in prices. The increase will be more evident from mid-September, when the market will drain the stored volumes and prepare for the new product. According to information I have gathered, this price increase could continue until November. We expect a hot autumn for Hass avocados," says Donnarumma.
According to the wholesaler, there will be more precise information only when Israeli avocados will be available. "The Israel season is late, while Spain will not have large quantities in the fall, or rather late fall," he said. Similarly, volumes are expected from Morocco and Portugal. We will see."
Greenskins
"Up until now, we've had South African Pinkerton avocados on hand, which have shown poor quality throughout the season due to adverse weather conditions, among other factors. The Pinkerton avocados from Kenya are of better quality in that case. Limited volumes of the Ryan variety from South Africa and the Nabal variety from Peru are also available, but these have low sales in Italy.
The harvest in Israel is also being awaited for the greenskins. "The first Ettingers should arrive soon. It is a variety that always holds up well and pleases everyone," concluded Donnarumma.
Photos provided by Giorgio Donnarumma
