Chilean avocado exports to the UK market have more than doubled since the beginning of September.
Exports of avocado during the 2003/04 season stood at around 1,726 tonnes, however this season, from the beginning of September to December 17, 2004, the Chilean industry has sent 3,502 tonnes to the UK market.
Christian Carvajal, marketing manager for Europe and Asia with the Chilean Fresh Fruit Association, said: “There’s been a huge amount of planting going on in Chile and producers are looking for new markets.”
Traditionally most avocados were sent to the US, he said, but with market saturation producers were being forced to look elsewhere.
The boost in exports to the UK has also been encouraged by the association’s avocado committee, which is working to generate partnerships with importers throughout Europe, Carvajal added.
