After green-skinned varieties opened the Moroccan avocado season, the Hass campaign is about to begin, with prices slightly lower than last season.
Salah Eddine Belkadi, managing partner of Unique Packing, states: "We believe we will be the first Moroccan exporter to deliver Hass to Europe this season, specifically to the Netherlands. Our fruit has reached 21% matter for small sizes and 22% for big sizes. The fruit is in the packhouse and will be on European shelves in a few days' time. This season, we have +7,000 tons of Hass avocados to be exported."
Prices are lower at the start of the season than at the same period of the previous season. Belkadi says, "Our prices have dropped by 5.7%. This is due to the big jump in volumes produced in Morocco this year, which has increased compared to the previous season by 40-50%. Avocado volumes have also increased overall in other parts of the world, and we are currently competing with Colombia on small and medium sizes."
The exporter continues, "We expect prices to decrease slightly as other origins enter the market, such as Spain, Israel, or Portugal. The price movement will remain under control, as we have more medium and big sizes this season. Prices will then increase between January and March."
"In the avocado sector, the barometer of export prices is the local Moroccan market," Belkadi continues," there are currently plenty of avocados for the local market, but local demand will peak in the month of Ramadan, in February."
Moroccan avocado prices are the subject of daily speculation and tug-of-war between growers and exporters, exacerbated by the possibility of storing fruit on trees, which sows confusion in the market. Belkadi comments, "At Unique Packing, we escape this situation for two reasons. Firstly, a large proportion of our export volumes come from our own production. Secondly, our cooperation with other growers are subject to contracts, numbering four this season. We apply fair and equitable prices, even at the worst times of the campaign. For example, when Storm Bernard hit Larache last season, we offered our growers up to 100% of the selling price on the majority of their shipments that we exportred under class II. The growers remember this and remain fair to us, and trust us, which is passed on to our customers. In this way, we offer our customers greater price visibility and a more professional relationship."
In terms of destinations, Spain and France will remain the major markets for Moroccan Hass this season, according to Belkadi. He concludes: "At Unique Packing, our main two markets are the Netherlands and the UK. We anticipate doubling our exports compared to last season, as supermarket chains have recognized and valued our commitment to quality fruit, ethical practices, social responsibility, and the well-being of both people and the environment."
For more information:
Salah Eddine Belkadi
Unique Packing
Tel: +212 661-461060
Email: [email protected]
www.uniqpacking.ma