Chilean Hass avocado production and exports are anticipated to recover in 2009/10, following the devastating frost of 2007 and later drought conditions, which have dented the country’s performance over the last two campaigns.
“The Committee is in the process of estimating production for the 2009/10 season and we are visiting an important number of groves,” Adolfo Ochagavía, chairman of the Chilean Hass Avocado Committee, told Fruitnet.com. “Orchards have recuperated from the frost and are ready for a good season – already we are seeing a lot of fruit on the trees.”
Based on preliminary estimations, Chilean Hass avocado production will reach approximately 250,000-260,000 tonnes in 2009/10, with exports in the region of 180,000-190,000 tonnes.
Of that total, the Committee said Chile plans to ship more or less 30,000 tonnes to Europe, which represents 16 per cent of total exports. The first vessels are set to arrive in the Continent during the second week of August.
In view of the larger crop, the Committee is planning to invest more heavily in the marketing of Chilean Hass avocados this coming season.
“Promotions will take place during October and November,” noted Mr Ochagavía. “In particular, we are focusing on the US, the UK, Spain, Denmark, Sweden, Chile and Argentina.”
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