In week 10, the fruit harvest reached 32,959 tons, following a high pace in exports to the United States, reaching a total of 26,959 tons, transported by 1,370 trucks. On Mondays, the number of shipments being exported has increased to clean fruit that remains in cold storage at packing plants over the weekend. The inventory reported by AVIS remains at levels less than one week's consumption, indicating an increase in sales in recent weeks. Last week, the order for fruit in sizes 60s and smaller was loaded; however, sales of larger sizes have remained reasonable, maintaining healthy inventory levels.

This week's harvest is very similar to the previous week, and we estimate another week of high harvest volume. Prices at the farm level have strengthened, especially for small fruit, and this has encouraged more producers to harvest the fruit.

The season is already close to the estimated 75% harvest and it seems that, not counting Holy Week, March and April will be months of good volume of shipments of Mexican fruit, practically the only supplier to the US market.

The condition of the fruit at its maturity requires more rigorous handling and it must be moved more quickly through the entire chain.

This week the supply of available hectares and orchards decreased slightly, but in volume there are enough orchards and hectares to continue with the same level of harvesting as in previous weeks.

Let's hope consumption continues and the fruit keeps moving well.

Have a great week everyone!

Antonio Villaseñor Zurita

antoniovz@aztecavo.com.mx