Rising costs are forcing organic topfruit growers in Argentina to look at alternatives to the European market, either in the better-paying US or closer to home
Dutch organics supplier Eosta said it welcomed the imminent arrival of the first organic pears from Argentina, even if sufficient stocks currently remained available in Europe.
The harvest in Argentina can no longer be postponed in order to prevent quality problems, according to Eosta, and the first Williams pears are now picked and set to arrive around week 9.
Eosta offers a range of organic pears, including Williams, D’Anjou, Packham’s Triumph, Abate Fetel and Red Bartlett, all of which are also available in the Demeter standard. “This allows us to meet various market wishes and quality requirements,” the company pointed out.
Organic apples from Argentina are expected to arrive later in the season, around mid-April, with varieties including Cripps Pink and Gala.
The outlook for organic topfruit from Argentina certainly looks positive, but logistical challenges remain. Fewer weekly departures from the port of San Antonio have forced exporters to seek out alternative ports in Argentina or even Chile.
“Rising costs due to high inflation and increased minimum wages are also putting pressure on Argentinean growers,” Eosta stated, “which is why we are also looking at the better-paying US, or closer to home in Latin America, as an alternative to exporting to Europe.”
