The heavy rainfall that lasted until last weekend caused the avocado harvest in the southern Peruvian region of Ayacucho to stop.
"Ayacucho and other southern regions are very important at the beginning of the campaign; production starts a month earlier than at the big plantations of other regions, and with good percentages of dry matter," explains Diana Sajami, of FCE EXPORT.
The rainfall caused landslides
This fruit usually reaches very good market prices. "There are many exporters demanding fruit who pay high prices for the product. The little fruit harvested with good percentages of dry matter has to be auctioned because everyone wants it," explains Diana.
The price currently being paid to producers has increased to 4.20 soles per kilo (US$ 1.35).
"For the time being, the European market is paying good prices, but the Euro has been significantly depreciated and many importers have told us to be careful about paying high prices for the fruit, since we may not obtain particularly good returns," he affirms.
Diana points out that the rains have delayed the production process, causing Peru to currently be exporting 20% less than normal, but that this won't be reflected in the year-end results, which are expected to be similar to last year's.
This delay will cause the avocado harvest at the earliest regions to start in April, at the same time as that of the large farms, causing an increase in supply volumes which could drive prices down.
For more information:
Diana Sajami
FCE EXPORT SAC
M: +51 97 634 8373
diana@fceexport.com
www.fceexport.com