The Chilean avocado deal gets under way, growers are anticipating a slight reduction in volumes and no major problems with quality.
According to Adolfo Ochagavía, president of the Hass Avocado Committee, the most recent estimates peg the new-season crop at 100-110,000 tonnes –10 per cent lower than the 2007/08 levels. He put the shortfall down to the residual effect of last year’s freeze, coupled with low rainfall in some growing areas.
“Overall the weather has been more benign than last year, with most areas benefiting from above-average rainfall and normal temperatures,” he said. “However, in the regions where precipitation was lower – notably La Ligua, Cabildo and Petorca – fruit size will be somewhat smaller than usual.”
Mr Ochagavía said that given that the California crop was somewhat lower than initial estimates he was confident that there would be a smooth transition period with no supply glut in September.
Exports during the 2007/08 season reached 117,000 tonnes. Around 73 per cent of this was shipped to the US, with Europe absorbing 24 per cent and the rest split between other markets.
