After a less than satisfying beginning to the South African avocado season, HL Halls director Nic Reay predicts a better end to the campaign.
A one-week blip in supply from South Africa to Europe earlier in the summer had a knock-on effect, with fruit being held in store for longer to compensate and quality consequently taking a hit. And a significant increase in Peruvian sendings to the continent again disrupted the marketplace at a crucial time.
"There were a few quality issues and the emergence of two new exporters in Peru increased availability and meant that fruit piled up on the market for a while," said Reay. "We expected weeks 21-26 to be tough and they fulfilled our projections. The strong rand has done exporters no favours and returns back to farmers have been down on last year.
"Having said all that, the market is picking up fast. Expectations were inevitably high after a brilliant season in 2003, but taking everything into account, I think when we look back on the season we'll realise we have got through it very well."
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