The Chilean Hass Avocado Committee (CHAC) has spoken out to ease concerns expressed in the Chilean press that its growers are heading for over-production in an already over-supplied world market.
“Official statistics state that we have 27,000 hectares, but we estimate that the actual figure is nearer 29,000ha,” said Adolfo Ochagavia, general manager of the CHAC. “We are forecasting a total production of around 195,000 tonnes for the coming 2006-07 season. Of that figure, 45,000t will be consumed in the Chilean market and 150,000t will be exported.”
But this figure is small compared to production in Mexico where per-capita consumption tops 10kg annually, according to CHAC. “Mexico is the main actor in this play, and has a very strong domestic market,” said Ochagavia. “It is forecasting production of 1 million tonnes, but this is no bigger than last year and the country will be supplying three new states in the US - California, Florida and Hawaii - from February 2007. Mexican exports are not going to explode though.”
Although the US is a huge market for the Chilean fruit, the association is actively seeking sendings to less well developed markets such as the UK and is promoting accordingly. “We have a strong commitment to the development of attractive markets, so this season we will promote again in the UK, and for the first time in Spain and Argentina,” said Ochagavia. “This, in addition to a strong campaign here in Chile. Last year we sent 17 per cent of our exports to Europe, and we are planning to increase that to 20 per cent in the 2006-07 season which begins next month. We are planning to increase our shipments to Europe by at least 40 per cent next season to 25,000t.”
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