Despite initial shipping delays, optimism remains high for the South African avocado season.

The first containers destined for the EU and the UK will arrive next week, slightly later than usual due to delays at the Cape Town terminal. Nevertheless, industry experts are confident of a successful season, projecting total exports of around 20 million boxes from South African ports, including 18 million boxes from South Africa and another 2 million from Zimbabwe and Mozambique.

Derek Donkin, CEO of Subtrop, anticipates a strong start, as European and British markets are typically empty at this time of year. Furthermore, an increase in exports to the East is expected, with China and Japan recently opening up to South African avocados.

Donkin noted that preparations for shipments to China are complete and awaiting official authorization. While the first shipments to China were initially expected in April, the first Hass shipments to Japan are now anticipated to begin in the middle of the year.

Source: fruitnet.com