In most agricultural crops, urgency reigns. As soon as the fruit approaches ripeness, an intense and rushed harvest begins to avoid losing quality or condition. Avocados, on the other hand, offer a different opportunity: the possibility of planning. And therein lies the economic success or failure of the producer.

Peru is the exception to this rule. The strategy of harvesting 100% of its fruit in just three months floods international markets, causing price drops and poor returns for the farmers themselves. The fear of over-ripening in a hot, arid climate, coupled with the pressure to reach Europe early, has led to this model that ultimately does more harm than good.

Other producing countries should take note: good harvest management not only protects the orchard, but also ensures better prices. Avoiding the so-called "Peruvian window" is, in practice, a winning strategy. Harvesting before or after this critical period guarantees better returns.

Experience shows that starting the harvest with the first fruits that reach adequate size and dry matter content allows the trees to be thinned and protects the next flowering. Maintaining fertilization and irrigation ensures that the rest of the fruit continues to grow, increasing in size and quality. In addition, a basic principle must be followed: pruning should not be delayed, as the tree's productive balance in the next cycle depends on it.

The most common mistake is confusing speed with profitability. A quick, sweeping harvest reduces immediate costs, but sacrifices price and size, the true determinants of profit. In contrast, a staggered harvest, with two or three strategic passes, increases operating costs, yes, but multiplies the fruit's market value. The business is defined by the selling price, not the cost of the crew.

Production cycles also offer signals that should not be ignored. Peru's high production in 2025, which was also overly extended, will inevitably lead to a drop in volume the following season. Chile, for example, should take advantage of this respite by stockpiling in 2025–2026, but should not repeat the strategy in 2026–2027, when Peru will strongly resume its supply.

The message is clear: each country must respect its own optimal growing season and understand that of its competitors. Europe has done well by waiting for Chilean shipments to decline before starting its own season in January and February. Similarly, producers in tropical regions like Colombia and Kenya should coordinate their flowering periods to avoid coinciding with Peru's window and gain market share during more favorable times.

Ultimately, managing the harvest is managing the business. Avocados allow for this, provided the grower has the discipline to understand the cycles, maintain proper nutrition, avoid delaying pruning, and, above all, resist the temptation of a massive harvest. Well-planned fruit always fetches a better price. And therein lies true profitability.