Climate challenges and soaring prices: The avocado campaign in Europe
ARTICLE
We are certainly facing the most atypical summer avocado season in Europe in years, which makes us think that the impact of climatic phenomena is a fact to be taken into account, and not only in reference to Peruvian avocados, but also having a significant impact on Tommy Atkins and Palmer mangoes from Brazil, as well as the Kent mango from this last Peruvian season.
During the next few weeks in Europe, a major shortage of fruit should not be observed, with the data on shipments already in hand, projections and given that the major avocado operators have their schedules made, unlike other years, stocks are empty and the turnover at this time is very high.
Current volumes from African countries are not moving the market up or down, although their presence is appreciated as they cover some of Europe's needs, especially in smaller sizes.
The lack of size—and consequently, the lower total weight—couldn't help but translate into a general price increase compared to previous years. This was exacerbated by the disparity in sizes received at the source, as many exporters began harvesting only the larger fruit in their fields, hoping that the remaining fruit would gain some size and weight. Others, however, began clearing their orchards, resulting in no clear pattern regarding the actual sizes being received. What is noticeable, however, is a general lack of medium and small sizes, perhaps caused by reduced shipments from Kenya and Tanzania.
Dry matter content is becoming more uniform across Peruvian farms, leading to more stable ripening. Furthermore, this season is proving quite positive in terms of quality, with less frost damage than last year.
Carlos Ocaña
Product Manager Avocado Hermanos Fernandez Spain