Avocados From Mexico has said its 2014/15 export forecast remains unchanged despite the intense hailstorms that affected parts of Michoacán last week. It was initially feared that the hail had caused widespread damage to orchards in Uruapan, one of the state’s main avocado producing regions.
But in a statement issued on Wednesday, the Association of Producers, Packers and Exporters of Avocado (Apeam) said an initial assessment showed no significant losses in quality or quantity to this season’s remaining crop. In October 2014, Apeam forecast exports to the US of 1.3bn lbs for the 2014/15 season, an 8 per cent increase on 2013/14.
However, Apeam said some flower and fruitlet drop had been observed and further analysis would be required to assess the impact on next season’s crop. The association is due to present its upcoming crop forecast in May.
“Our thoughts go out to those growers who have been impacted by the storm,” Avocados from Mexico said. “Overall as an industry we are fortunate that impact has been relatively minimal. As the largest producer of avocados we will continue to move forward to support growing consumer demand with a steady, year-round supply.”
Avocados From Mexico is a partnership between Apeam and the Mexican Hass Avocado Importers Association.
Mexico ships avocados to more than 20 countries including Japan, France and Canada but the US is by far its largest export market.
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