The avocado season is getting underway in Morocco, and exporters are enjoying favorable winds, according to Mehdi Benchekroun, CEO of DMB & Co.
The exporter explains: "At present, Latin American exporters, particularly Mexico, are focusing on the American market, which absorbs huge volumes. Very few shipments from Peru or Colombia are arriving in Europe, and we can even talk of a shortage of avocados in Europe that will last for some time. Other origins will soon arrive on the market, but I'm confident Morocco is well positioned this year."
According to Benchekroun, the first shipments of green-skinned varieties From Morocco have already left for Europe. He adds, "I'm hearing very nice feedback. Early importers who have already bought zutano, bacon, and fuerte are very satisfied with the quality and size. I've heard good things from buyers in the Netherlands, the UK, and Germany."
"The campaign is starting a bit shy. We see some importers hesitating a bit, perhaps testing the waters and waiting for more visibility on prices. I'd like to reassure everyone that Moroccan production this year is of very consistent quality, in good sizes, and large volumes. Prices are also very good and are amply justified by much better quality than last season. Farm gate prices are currently at the same level as at the start of the previous season. Prices are on a rising curve, given the shortage of avocados in Europe, so it's best not to wait any longer," Benchekroun says.
The avocado campaign is shaping up to be easier than last year's, Benchekroun assures: " Right from the production stage, weather conditions have been much more clement. We haven't had any storms like storm Bernard of 2023, and we haven't had any chergui (hot dry winds) either. The rainfall was a little shy, but it came at the right time. Flowering went very well and that's reflected in the larger sizes."
"On the commercial front too, the campaign is shaping up to be much better than the previous. Colombia and Peru gave us fierce competition last season, plummeting the prices. This year, Latin American origins seem to be busy with the American market. The abundance of production in Morocco will also give us greater competitiveness, with prices that will satisfy growers, exporters as well as customers in Europe" Benchekroun adds.
"The bulk of Moroccan production is expected in October, with the Hass variety and peak volumes are expected starting mid-December," the exporter concludes.
For more information:
Mehdi Benchekroun
DMB & CO
Tel.: +212661214337
Email: [email protected]