Traditionally, the seasons are considered to run from July 1st to June 30th each year. In the last week, 577 shipments were sent to the United States market. The season closes with a total of 1,074,017 tons exported, which is 4.7% less than the previous season.

It won't be until Wednesday, July 3rd, that 100% of exporters will have access to USDA inspection services. The two-week suspension of regular fruit harvesting, packing, and shipping activities has had an unprecedented effect on the U.S. market, resulting in a generally very slow sales pace. It's important to note that prior to the suspension, Mexican fruit inventories were turning over the fastest; this momentum has now been lost. Mexico's share of the market has decreased significantly, while volumes from California and Peru have increased almost proportionally. The uncertainty surrounding Mexico's supply, coupled with high fruit prices and the imminent transition from "black" to "crazy" fruit, has made a return to normalcy for Mexican exports a challenge.

The number of hectares listed for harvest in the first week of the new season is 30% lower than last year, and it's reasonable to speculate that the largest reduction is in orchards that could be harvested from new fruit. The drought of the previous months and the delayed rains undoubtedly meant that the fruit didn't reach the size or dry matter content necessary to be attractive to the market from the beginning of July. Therefore, we expect to continue harvesting both types of fruit for at least another two to three weeks. Demand for larger sizes will have to continue to be met with "black" fruit.

The start of the rainy season has been beneficial in all producing areas of both Jalisco and Michoacán. The abundant rainfall of the last two weeks will favor the development of the "loca" fruit in orchards located at mid-altitudes and of seasonal fruit throughout the region.

Each new season literally represents a reboot for the avocado industry in Mexico, presenting new challenges and objectives.

I wish the greatest success to all participants in the value chain of this great industry, from the producers to the final distributors of our fruit.

Sergio Paz Vega

Mexico

sergio.paz@coliman.com