The Spanish avocado season is proving challenging. The drought and subsequent water shortage mean production is far lower than in previous years. "There's, thus, much less supply of, particularly, large sizes, which is driving up prices," Xavier Halsberghe of the Spanish company Sigfrido Fruit begins.
Originally from Belgium, Xavier moved to Spain in 2001 and has worked for the Malaga-based exotic fruit company for the last ten years. He notes that the market has recently become increasingly complex. "On the one hand, you have cultivation. The quality is definitely there this season, but the lack of water means the avocados can't gain weight. That leaves primarily smaller sizes, with larger sizes of between 18, 20, and 22. The growers still hope for more rain, as larger sizes are more lucrative. Whether that hope is in vain remains to be seen."
"On the other hand, demand for Spanish avocados remains high. Many countries of origin, like Morocco and Colombia, are on the market. Prices also vary significantly depending on the quality. That fruit is somewhat cheaper, but the quality doesn't match that of Spanish avocadoes. And quality is still preferred over price. So, demand stays excellent."
"That's not necessarily because it's grown in Spain, but, significantly, the fruit can be delivered from point A to C in, for example, France and the Netherlands, which are important markets for us. If it's on the tree on Monday, it's with the customer by Wednesday. That is and remains very popular. People, obviously, consider the price, but especially in France, quality still prevails," Xavier says.
Water shortage
Here, the trader sees smaller sizes becoming particularly popular. "You can generally earn more with larger sizes, but clients seem to prefer smaller sizes more and more. In the past, size 18-20 was the gem among gems; nowadays, the gold lies in smaller sizes. That's a notable shift. Especially France, but also many of the larger chains favor the smaller sizes. Perhaps partly because of the price, but mainly because they work with nets, for which larger sizes aren't ideal."
Halsberghe, however, sees significant challenges in trading. "Transportation is, for instance, becoming increasingly difficult due to the many demonstrations by, say, French and German growers. That can lead to many delays and unexpected costs," he says. The water shortage is also a constant challenge in Spanish cultivation. "I'm afraid that could ultimately cause significant problems, and there isn't a true solution."
"Simply put, we need more rain. Everything needs water, and the substances found in rainwater aren't easy to replicate. That's something we must all deal with, and these weather extremes seem to be an issue in many places in the world. After Spain, we'll start with Peru," Xavier continues, "which, too, will probably have fewer avocados due to trouble with El Niño. We're already seeing its effects on mangoes."
Organic launch
Besides the conventional range, Sigfrido Fruit launched an organic line for both mangoes and avocados at the recent Fruit Attraction to mark its 10th anniversary. "Many of our customers who buy conventional exotics from us also ask for the organic variant. The paperwork is now fully in order, and we've effectively started. We have specific clients for this assortment, and we now have a full-time employee for organic sales. That's going well, and it's a nice addition to our range," Xavier concludes.
For more information:
Xavier Halsberghe
Sigfrido Fruit
Tel: +34 653 753 694
comercial@sigfridofruit.com
www.sigfridofruit.com