Chilean avocado production is forecast to reach 190,000 tonnes for the 2012/13 season, down 10 per cent on the crop of 2011/12, according to an estimate from iQonsulting and reported by SIMfruit.
The contraction has been attributed to the effects of a drought almost two years ago, which has had a knock-on effect on production for this season, the report said.
The shortfall will be absorbed mainly by exports, given that the local market remains strong, with attractive prices and continued demand.
Last season, Chile exported 113,000 tonnes of avocados, according to SIMfruit, of which supplier Propal accounted for 36,751 tonnes.
Other exporters included Agricom (with 17,710 tonnes), Subsole (10,699 tonnes), Santa Cruz (10,379 tonnes), El Parque (9,206 tonnes), Cabilfrut (5,538 tonnes), Desarrollo Agrario (2,842 tonnes), Calavo Chile (2,769 tonnes), and Corpora (1,460 tonnes).
