We are now in the second part of our export campaign, having passed the peak production recorded between January and February. Now, in this final phase of the second flowering, we face significant challenges that have shaped our strategy for positioning ourselves in international markets.

One of the main challenges has been the weather. The aftermath of El Niño has generated unusual levels of rainfall, affecting production in various countries, including Colombia, Peru, Spain, and Ecuador. This factor has caused unexpected variations in harvest volumes and production times, forcing them to adapt quickly to an uncertain climate.

Another significant challenge has been the early and large-scale entry of Peruvian avocados into the European market. Traditionally, this massive influx of Peruvian avocados occurs between mid-April and early May, but this year it has moved up to February and March. As a result, European markets have positioned themselves early, creating a highly competitive price environment. Faced with this situation, we have revised our strategy, focusing on accelerating the development of nearby markets instead of competing directly with such an established player as Peru.

The opening of the Argentine market has been a key milestone in this strategy. Despite being a major consumer of avocados in the region, Argentina had not been a viable option due to phytosanitary and tariff restrictions. Now, with the elimination of these barriers, we have gained access to a market with high growth potential. Likewise, Ecuador's trade liberalization policy in recent years has allowed expansion into other destinations such as Uruguay, Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic, Canada, and even phytosanitary access to the United States.

While Europe remains our natural market and primary export destination, market diversification has become a strategic necessity given the strong presence of competitors. In this regard, the consolidation of the Fuerte avocado has been an advantage, especially in Europe, where it has achieved a strong position thanks to its quality. Although this variety is not the primary option for nearby markets, it does allow us to strengthen our offering in Asia and Europe when the Hass avocado faces increased competition.

The current situation compels us to innovate and continuously adapt to market changes and external factors impacting production. Opening new markets and diversifying our products are key strategies for consolidating our international presence and ensuring the long-term sustainability of our industry.

Santiago Pinto, Ecuador spinto@interanza.com