Further downward pressure on Chilean avocado export volumes is expected this season as a result of strong domestic demand from within the South American country, a leading industry figure has reported.
Speaking to Fresh Fruit Portal, Chilean Hass Avocado Committee president Adolfo Ochagavia said the country was likely to be in a position to export just 88,000 tonnes of the fruit this year, including an estimated 27,000 tonnes to European markets and 53,000 tonnes to the US.
Demand on the Chilean market, where recent promotional campaigns have boosted consumption, he estimated, would be for a volume around the 72,000-tonne mark.
A strengthening in the value of the Chilean peso against the US dollar has also contributed to a fall in potential export earnings, Mr Ochagavia added.
Exports of Chilean Hass avocados had earlier been predicted to fall by 56 per cent by the end of the 2010/11 season.
The majority of the shortfall (75 per cent) is directly the result of alternate bearing, while the remainder is the result of frosts, Mr Ochagavía said.
