A new company dedicated to the production and export of avocado has just been born in Uruapan, Michoacan, Mexico's main avocado production area and the world's leading exporter of this fruit. Its general manager spoke about the current state of exports to the United States, the natural market for Mexican avocado.
“We are producers and exporters of Hass avocado from Uruapan and in the coming weeks we'll complement our exports with avocado from Jalisco's new production season,” stated Agustin Sanchez, the general manager of Frutas Finas La Fabrica. Sanchez is an agronomist with more than 29 years of experience in the area who has worked in companies such as Fresh Direction Mexicana, Frutas Finas de Valles de Michoacán, the Coliman Group, and as an International consultant.
The United States is the main market for Mexican avocados because of its proximity. However, the company already has agreements to export to Canada, Europe, and Japan and aspires to venture into other countries.
“Currently, Michoacan exports 28,000 to 30,000 tons of avocado a week to the United States. Michoacan's season, which accounts for Mexico's largest production volume, will end in July, so we still have several months with sufficient volumes,” Sanchez stated.
The Peruvian competition starts to be noticeable in April. “Peru began shipping some volumes to the United States a few weeks ago, but its volumes won't increase noticeably until well into April. From then on there will be more pressure on sales. Peru is expected to send a large percentage of its avocado to the US market this year, just as it did last year, as avocado prices in Europe are lower.”
According to Sanchez, at the moment, the inflation in the US hasn't affected avocado sales. “After the exaggerated demand during the Super Bowl, there was uncertainty about whether there would continue to be good consumption of avocado. However, sales have remained at good levels because prices are relatively low when compared to other seasons, and this continues to drive demand.”
Frutas Finas la Fabrica belongs to the Association of Avocado Producers, Packers, and Exporters of Mexico (APEAM) and has SRRC and Primus Lab certifications. It will soon also have organic and Global GAP certification to be able to export to Europe, where it will find an export gap at the end of Peru's campaign, between September and December.
For more information:
Ing. Agustín Sánchez
Frutas Finas La Fábrica S. De R. L
Uruapan, Michoacán, México
M: +52 452 226 3714
[email protected]