The Chilean Hass Avocado Association has had to drastically cut its production forecast for the 2008/09 season, following an audit of avocado groves in Chile.
According to the association, total exports of Hass avocados from Chile will total around 85,000 tonnes this season, lower than originally predicted when groves were surveyed in May.
Sub-zero temperatures caused widespread frost damage to Chile’s avocado groves last season causing damage to production this year.
The association said exports to Europe will fall from last season’s level of 28,000t to around 16-17,000t. The UK should receive between 4,500t and 5,000t.
Adolfo Ochagavía, president of the Chilean Hass Avocado Association, said: “This season we have felt the effects of last year’s unseasonable frost on production of Chilean Hass avocados. The domestic market has also been particularly active. However, as avocado groves recover and new tree plantings come on stream, we expect strong volumes in the 2009/10 season.
“Throughout, we are continuing to support the UK market with high quality shipments and our strong promotional campaign. There remains huge potential to grow this market further still in season to come,” he said.
The Chilean Hass Avocado Association is running its fourth campaign to promote Chilean avocados in the UK market during the 2008/09 season.This year’s campaign, fronted by previous Masterchef winner and co-owner of two Wahaca restaurants, Thomasina Miers, focuses on the culinary uses of Hass avocados in addition to their health benefits.
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