Challenges in avocado production in Peru: Camposol anticipates a shortened season

Camposol and the avocado industry in Peru are preparing for a year of reduced production due to adverse weather conditions and challenges in international markets.

Peruvian avocado production, especially in the Olmos and Chavimochic regions, is expected to fall by 40% this year. According to José Antonio Gómez Bazán, general manager of Camposol, this decrease is due to the high temperatures recorded during the winter, which caused stress in the trees and resulted in fruit quality problems. Despite the anticipated challenging season, Gómez Bazán noted that the international market could offer interesting opportunities due to reduced production in other countries such as Spain and Mexico.

Regarding markets, Gómez Bazán highlighted the complexity of the U.S. market, which is primarily dominated by Mexican avocados. He explained that the entry of Peruvian avocados into this market is hampered by differences in the ripening and storage processes between Peruvian and Mexican avocados. To succeed in the United States, Gómez Bazán emphasized the need to improve the handling and distribution of Peruvian avocados, as well as to strengthen their presence in other markets such as China, which represents a significant opportunity for the Peruvian avocado industry.

Camposol is also exploring new avocado varieties to diversify its offerings. With its own breeding program, the company has identified and is testing new varieties that could improve its competitiveness in the international market. However, introducing these new varieties to the United States will require further negotiations with plant health authorities.

Source: agraria.pe