Giovanni Cavaletto, president of GLC Cerritos, highlights the crucial role of Jalisco in the expansion of the Mexican avocado market and analyzes the challenges and opportunities of the sector at the Jalisco Avocado Congress.

During the 8th Jalisco Avocado Congress, Giovanni Cavaletto, president of GLC Cerritos, highlighted Jalisco's growth as a key player in avocado exports to the United States. This state has significantly contributed to the increase in Mexico's export volume, which reached a 19% increase in 2023, after many years of stagnation. Cavaletto explained that Jalisco plays a crucial role during Michoacán's off-season, supplying 45% of the avocado volume shipped to the United States in August.

Despite these advances, Cavaletto warned of the challenges facing the industry, such as growing competition from countries like Peru and Colombia, which are increasing their presence in the U.S. market. He also mentioned that the expansion of new acreage in Michoacán has slowed, forcing the search for alternatives to increase productivity in already cultivated areas. According to Cavaletto, improving production efficiency per hectare will be key to maintaining Mexico's competitiveness.

In addition to internal challenges, Cavaletto highlighted Mexico's strategic advantage thanks to its proximity to the United States and the market's preference for Mexican avocados. However, he stressed the importance of investing in innovation and genetics to improve crop resilience and address the threats of deforestation and climate change. "We must continue to push ourselves to be better," Cavaletto concluded, emphasizing that the sector's future depends on sustainability and the ability to anticipate new challenges.

Source: portalfruticola.com