News in Brief:
– Peruvian avocado exporters shift focus from Western to Asian markets for growth.
– Diversification, new varieties, and sustainability drive Peru’s avocado export strategy.
In a strategic shift, Peruvian avocado exporters are directing their focus toward the Asian market, marking a significant departure from their traditional reliance on Western destinations.
The move comes as Peru emerges as a major player in the global avocado trade, with exports reaching impressive heights, according to a news report.
Peru’s ascent in the avocado export arena has been remarkable. In 2022, the country stood as the world’s second-largest exporter of avocados, trailing only behind Mexico. With an export volume of 583,214 tons, Peru surpassed other notable avocado-producing nations such as Spain, Chile, and Kenya.
The shift towards Asian markets reflects a changing landscape in avocado trade dynamics. Last year, Westfalia Fruit Peru, a subsidiary of the multinational Westfalia Fruit Group, exported 40% of its 45,000-ton avocado haul to Asia, signaling a strategic pivot towards this burgeoning market. Traditionally, Europe and the United States dominated as primary destinations for Peruvian avocados, but the allure of Asian markets has sparked a reevaluation of export strategies.
Omar Díaz, General Manager of Westfalia Fruit Peru, underscores the importance of diversifying target markets amidst expanding avocado production. With the area planted with avocados in Peru nearly tripling over the past decade, reaching 70,545 hectares in 2022, exploring new markets becomes imperative. This diversification strategy aims to mitigate risks associated with over-reliance on any single market while capitalizing on emerging opportunities in Asia.
Peru’s commercial window for avocado exports, lasting from February to September, complements Colombia’s main season, which extends from September to March. This complementary arrangement ensures a consistent avocado supply throughout the year. Additionally, efforts to introduce new avocado varieties such as GEM and Lamb Hass offer possibilities to extend the commercial window further, potentially boosting exports until mid-October.
As Peruvian avocado exporters expand their reach, ensuring product quality and sustainability remains paramount. Through rigorous quality control measures and collaboration with producers implementing good cultivation practices, exporters like Westfalia Fruit Peru strive to maintain high standards while meeting the growing demand for avocados, both conventional and organic.
