Mexico supplies the U.S. with "Black" fruit
Week 29 for avocado shipments from Mexico to the United States was very similar to the previous week, with 559 truckloads sent. Mexico continues to supply demand with both previous season's "black" fruit and "crazy" fruit. Orders for sizes 48 and larger are mostly for "black" fruit, while orders for sizes 60 and smaller are for "crazy" fruit. As long as "black" fruit is available, this will be how Mexico handles shipments.
One might speculate that this year Mexico has been exporting a higher proportion of "black" fruit during the month of July compared to previous years; however, this change is not due to a greater availability of this type of fruit but to a very marked reduction in the availability of "crazy" fruit, especially in sizes 48s and larger.
The availability of orchards for harvest this year is 37% lower than last year for Michoacán and 77% lower for Jalisco. This has meant that in the first three weeks of the season, Mexico has exported 14% less than in 2023, which is not a reflection of how the rest of the season will be, since this is also due to low demand for Mexican fruit.
Mexico will be expecting a reduction in volumes from Peru and California possibly in the second half of August. This wait will allow more fruit to reach adequate dry matter levels and for fruit of adequate quality and, above all, better sizes to be shipped.
The domestic market has been very favorable, and a good number of producers have decided to sell, mainly "black" fruit. This very important market will continue to prefer this fruit as long as it is available. "Loca" fruit is already the preferred variety for companies that process fruit for guacamole.
The rainy season throughout the production area continues to be very favorable; there has been rain in all regions.
Sergio Paz Vega
Mexico
