Peru exported 23,509 containers of Hass avocados between the start of 2024 and September 8 (week 36), i.e. 11% less than the 26,377 containers it shipped in the same period last year. Juan Carlos Paredes Rosales, president of the Association of Hass Avocado Producers of Peru (ProHass), attributed the drop in volume to a reduction in fruit production due to the excessive heat recorded in recent quarters.
Producers on the northern coast of Peru, which holds approximately 45% of the area devoted to this production, were the most affected. They achieved only 50% of the previous year's production volume and 30% of the harvest was made up of small-sized avocados. The decrease in volume was lower than initially expected by ProHass, thanks to the almost 7,000 containers contributed by other exporters (mainly from the Andean area) who aren't members of the association.
The price of Peruvian avocado in the international market has remained stable this year, without the drastic fluctuations of previous years. Europe continues to be the main market for Peruvian avocado, although its share decreased to 60% this year. The United States and Asia follow in importance. However, US purchases have decreased and purchases from Asia have increased.
The upcoming inauguration of the Chancay port in Lima will offer new opportunities to export avocados to more distant markets, such as Asia, by significantly reducing transit times. India, with its growing avocado consumption and large vegetarian population, appears as a particularly attractive potential market thanks to the reduction in transit times that the new port will allow.
Regarding its competition, Mexico dominates the US market while Peru is gradually consolidating its position in this and other markets thanks to its healthy and sustainable avocado supply. Colombia has entered the US market strongly but with smaller volumes than Peru. Peru continues to be Europe's main supplier and is facing growing competition from African and American countries.
This hasn't been a very productive year for Peru's Hass avocado because of alternate bearing. This means the plants are resting and preparing for 2025, when, if the weather is good, production should allow the sector to achieve a new export record. In addition, the young plants will enter production.
Source: agraria.pe