The start of Ecuador's avocado export season is taking place against a backdrop of production adjustments, positive signals from the international market, and increasing logistical pressure. This is how Santiago Pinto, director of Interanza , describes the season's beginning and the variables that will define its development during the first quarter.

According to figures from the Public Agricultural Information System (SIPA), avocado cultivation has become a growing sector in Ecuador, with production exceeding 34,000 tons and a planted area of nearly 9,000 hectares, of which approximately 35% is dedicated to the Hass variety. While a significant portion of this production is destined for the domestic market, the export segment has been gaining ground, particularly for the Hass variety.

A slower start than expected

This season, the start was later than usual. “We had a late start in December, the result of being busy for about eight to ten weeks, which meant our production was concentrated in the first quarter,” explains Pinto. This delay was compounded by a mini-drought in December, an unusual phenomenon compared to previous seasons, which further slowed the initial pace.

As a result, January began with still low volumes, although the outlook projects a significant change in the coming weeks. “We see that volume will increase, especially from weeks five and six onwards, which leads us to have a fairly busy February and March, where we expect significant volume,” the executive notes.

This productive context has coincided with a favorable international scenario. While Colombia has maintained significant exports, the volumes haven't been enough to meet the weekly demand of the European market, which has kept prices high for this time of year. "That has helped keep prices quite high. We don't know how long they will last, but if they do, it would be a very interesting season for February and March," Pinto adds.

Fruit quality, local market and logistical pressure

Beyond volume, one of the main aspects that has marked the start of this season is quality. The first shipments confirmed what was projected during the second half of last year. “We are seeing fruit in better condition, with a lower percentage of discards, unlike last year when it was quite high due to weather issues,” explains Pinto. Furthermore, the size distribution shows a greater presence of large and medium sizes, in contrast to the previous season, which was dominated by small sizes.

This larger export volume and higher quality has had a direct impact on the local market. Domestic availability has been adjusted for the season, with prices remaining higher than usual. “Normally, prices should have dropped since December or January, but that hasn't happened, and we've had weeks of relative shortages,” acknowledges the director of Interanza. The challenge, he adds, is to serve both markets in a balanced way, considering that not all exporting farms have sufficient volume to supply domestic consumption.

Adding to this scenario is a gradual transformation of the local market, historically dominated by the Fuerte (green-skinned) variety. Hass has been gaining ground and acceptance, generating increasing competition between the two varieties.

Finally, logistics emerges as one of the main challenges of the season. February and March coincide with the peak weeks for refrigerated containers from Ecuador, driven by exports of bananas, shrimp, and other products. “These are the most challenging weeks in terms of reefer availability, and we also have to monitor the global situation with refrigerated containers, both in Europe and the Caribbean, to anticipate potential unplanned delays,” Pinto warns.

Thus, the start of the Ecuadorian avocado campaign combines positive signs in quality and prices with operational and logistical challenges that will require precise management during the key months of the quarter.