The update to the Peruvian Technical Standard aims to strengthen the country's position as a premium supplier, guaranteeing improved ripening, flavor, and oil content in the fruit. The new standard meets the demands of major international markets.

Peru has taken a key step in its strategy to consolidate its position as the world's second-largest exporter of Hass avocados by updating the Peruvian Technical Standard (NTP) and establishing a new minimum of 22% dry matter in the fruit. This improvement addresses the need to ensure optimal ripening and a more consistent flavor, in line with the demands of markets such as Europe, the United States, and Asia. "With this new threshold, we ensure that even fruit at the minimum limit maintains a high standard of quality," stated Alfredo Caycho Grados, president of the Avocado Quality Technical Standard Committee.

The decision was made after it became clear that lower levels of dry matter—such as the previous 21.5%—could result in unripe fruit, leading to complaints at the destination. Premium supermarkets in the United States and Europe typically require between 23% and 25% dry matter, while Asia prefers levels between 22% and 23%. “The new standard establishes a solid technical foundation from which exporters can work with even more demanding standards,” Caycho added.

In addition to this change, the updated standard includes images of visual defects and minor adjustments to technical definitions. Regarding oil content, key to the fruit's texture and flavor, an official parameter has not yet been defined, as it requires specific formulas depending on the region. “We cannot copy models from other countries like Chile or California. Peru needs its own formula based on our climatic and agricultural conditions,” Caycho concluded, emphasizing that this update reinforces the country's reputation as a reliable source of premium avocados.

Source: prohassinforma.com.pe