Peruvian avocado exports have got off to an auspicious start this season, with new production zones boosting the availability of early season fruit.
Total exports to 30 April were up 16 per cent in volume and 10 per cent in value according to trade data from Fresh4cast.
Shipments to the Netherlands, the leading destination, were up 26 per cent in volume and 25 per cent in value.
Hong Kong registered the biggest increase, albeit from a small base, with shipment volume and value up by 203 per cent and 263 per cent respectively.
The Peruvian Hass Avocado Growers Association (ProHass) said exports could rise by as much as 26 per cent this year, reaching 290,000 tonnes.
A growing number of exporters are looking to tap into burgeoning demand in Asia where the appetite for avocados continues to strengthen.
China and Japan are the main destinations for Peruvian avocados in the region. Negotiations to secure access to the South Korean market are also well advanced.
Peru exported 247,000 tonnes of avocados with a value of US$580m last year according to Minagri, making it the world’s second biggest supplier behind Mexico.
