A prolonged Californian season and increased access for Mexican producers has been making life difficult for Chilean avocado growers in the US, but their European campaign is topping last year’s high.
Chilean production has been increasing and, allied to this, the US market situation has meant lower prices and a growing interest in the UK market.
There are some 27,000ha under production of Hass in Chile and this figure has grown steadily in recent seasons as growers increase plantings and avocados become one of the star performers in the Chilean export basket.
The Chilean Hass Avocado Committee told the Chilean press the best solution was to try and open up virgin markets and improve Chile’s standings on newly established European markets.
Owing to the impact of the campaigns, senders are hoping to export 20,000 tonnes more to Europe than last season.
By December 31, 2006, some 36,821t had already been sent and the expectation is for a further 13,000t by season’s end next month.
“The European season is better this year than last and there should be fruit available for a further four to six weeks in the UK, a month longer than last year,” said a spokesman.
Christian Magdahl of exporter Safex said he believed part of the success Chile has had in the UK is due to relationships with importers and their programmes with the multiples.
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