Peruvian avocados put pressure on prices in the European market
Lower supply from Spain and Morocco raised prices, but the increase in smaller sizes from Peru is putting pressure on Europe.
The Spanish avocado season ended with high and sustained prices, driven by a drop in production caused by heavy rains and a sharp reduction in Moroccan supply. According to José Antonio Alconchel, CEO of Grupo Alcoaxarquía , the rainfall recorded between January and February particularly affected plantations in Cádiz, although some of the losses were offset by production from Málaga and Granada. Ultimately, the Spanish harvest is estimated to have reached around 100,000 tons, below initial projections of over 130,000 tons.
Meanwhile, Morocco—considered Spain's main competitor in the European market—reduced its production by nearly 50%, a situation that helped keep prices high for much of the season. However, from week 12 onward, Peruvian avocados took center stage, with the season beginning with positive prospects and some Spanish operators expecting sales growth of around 15%.
As the South American season progressed, the European market began receiving a significant supply of smaller-sized avocados from Peru, Colombia, and South Africa. According to Alconchel, Peru is producing approximately 20% more smaller fruit this year, which has led to a significant drop in prices for these sizes and indirect pressure on medium-sized avocados. Meanwhile, large avocados remain scarce and command higher prices in Europe.
The executive warned that the abundance of small fruit is creating market distortions, affecting the perceived value even of medium-sized fruit. Meanwhile, the Spanish sector is already looking ahead to the next mango season, where initial estimates point to a slightly lower production than last year's record. Even so, recent weather conditions and the recovery of new plantations show positive signs for the growth of tropical fruit farming in southern Spain.
Source: freshplaza.es
