Hass avocado

Peruvian avocado exports are on course to increase by 19 per cent in 2010 to some 57,500 tonnes, according to figures released by the Central Reserve Bank of Peru (BCR) and reported by news agency Andina.

Of that total, the Hass variety will account for almost 48,000 tonnes, while Fuerte volume will represent 9,500 tonnes, translating into a 20 per cent growth for both varieties, Chilean consultant iQonsulting said.

Peru exports avocados mainly to Europe as well as Asia and Canada. As of this year, the South American producer will also have access to the US market, which could absorb up to 19,000 tonnes annually, according to officials.

The fruit is mainly produced in the regions of Lima, La Libertad, Junín, Arequipa, Ayacucho and Ica.

According toInform@accion, planted area with export-quality avocados in Peru is set to double or even triple within the next five years, up from the current 7,000ha.