Mexican avocado suppliers and US importers are anticipating a shorter and later crop following weather issues earlier this year in the Latin American country’s growing regions.
There will be somewhat less fruit available for export this year due to some weather issues,” Emiliano Escobedo of the Michoacán Avocado Producers and Exporters Association (APEAM) told Fruitnet.com.
“We had a frost and then some hail fell in the growing areas last February which has hurt production somewhat. So that will translate into a little less fruit available for export markets for the coming season.”
Roberto Rodríguez of US import-marketer Mission Produce added that it has been “one of the rainiest Septembers anyone can remember in Michoacán”.
“The deal is delayed, as dry matter levels have been pulled way down due to all the water,” Mr Rodríguez explained. “Prices here in the US haven’t responded yet because there still is plenty of California fruit around.”
Volume may be heavier in the early part of the deal, but lighter after the New Year, according to Rob Wedin of fellow avocado marketer Calavo.
“So the market in January may get pretty interesting, especially with Chile’s production being down as well,” Mr Wedin said. “With demand increasing for avocados throughout North America, I’m thinking we’ll likely see some higher prices early next year.”
Despite the shortfall, APEAM expects Mexico will still be the majority supplier to the US once again in 2010/11, with a 27 per cent share on the market between July and September, rising to 47 per cent between October and December.
Read the full report on p48 of Americafruit Magazine’s October/November issue.
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