With the start of the Hass harvest, Cretan producers expect higher prices and significantly larger volumes, while introducing new varieties such as Pinkerton and Lamb Hass.

The arrival of 2025 marks the start of a new avocado season in Crete. With the last of the Zutano variety now available, Yorgos Katsouras, director of Crete Taste, anticipates a strong start for the Hass avocado, which will soon be available. "The lower supply from the Southern Hemisphere and the fact that Hass produces fewer fruits than other varieties are generating expectations of better prices, reaching up to €2.90 per kilo," Katsouras notes, although he cautions about the difficulty of maintaining stable export flows at such high prices.

Meanwhile, Cretan Fuerte avocados face intense competition from Murcia, Morocco, and Cyprus, leading to adjustments in local prices. Despite this, the season promises to be positive for late varieties such as Hass and Reed, with volumes estimated to be up to 70% higher than last year, according to Katsouras. Furthermore, the Pinkerton variety will be introduced in March, generating considerable interest among local growers.

Another milestone for the Cretan industry is the growing recognition of Lamb Hass. This variety, which combines larger sizes with high profitability, could become a favorite among growers. "A grower can charge up to 52 euros per box of high-quality Lamb Hass," says Katsouras, highlighting the potential of this new crop. With promising volumes and diversified varieties, Crete is looking to strengthen its position in the competitive international avocado market.

Source: freshplaza.es