W4: Weekly Avocado Update

Colombia

Size Distribution of Avocados in the Colombian Market During W3 (Jan 29)

In the Colombian market, the avocado size distribution had an increase in sizes between 18 and 24 due to the entry of fruit from crops from Antioquia during W3.

Calibers Total

12        0.0%

14        1%

16        5%

18        9%

20      10%

22      15%

24      20%

26      10%

28      8%

30     11%

32     11%

Total 100%

Colombian Avocados Affected by Thripadea in January 2023 (Jan 29)

During January, 15-25% of the Colombian avocado harvest was marked by thrips (order Thysanoptera), and skin damage. A lot of avocados from Quindio and Antioquia did not meet the qualifications to be exported.

Avocado Size Distribution During W4 in the Colombian Market (Jan 29)

In the Colombian market, the distribution of avocado sizes during W4 had an increase in sizes between 18 and 24 and a decrease of 16% in sizes between 28-32 compared to W3 due to the entry of fruit from crops from the Antioquia region.

Caliber Total

12      0.0%

14      1%

16      5%

18      9%

20     10%

22     15%

24     25%

26    10%

28    5%

30   5%

32   5%

Total 100%

Peru

Major Financial Challenges as a Direct Result of the Strikes in Peru (Jan 23)

In Peru, harvesting, packaging, transport, port, and airport activity have again come to a near standstill after protests in Lima and other provincial cities. Some growers, exporters, nurseries, and transporters of avocados have talked about the impact of the riots on their business activity. With delayed harvest, fewer quantities to export, interrupted access routes, and difficulty reaching ports or airports on time. 

Japan

Mexican Avocado Imports Were Suspended in Japan in January 2023 (Jan 23)

Due to the discovery of narcotics in imported Mexican avocados to Japan, imports were suspended on January 9, 2023. Imports were scheduled to resume on January 20, 2023, but are now expected to resume on January 23. Avocado prices in Japan are expected to drop once imports resume, as all the supply that was delayed will be delivered at once.

Turkey

Avocado Production in Turkey More Than Triples in 2022 Leading to a Reduction in Imports (Jan 27)

Historically, fresh avocado has been a fruit that was extensively imported into Turkey from countries such as Kenya and Peru. However, import volume showed a marked decline from 2021 to 2022 with imports dropping from 6.4K MT in 2021 to 5.5K MT in 2022. One of the main reasons behind the decline is the increasing domestic production of avocados in Turkey. The domestic production of avocados increased by 342% in 2022, reaching 40K MT.

Uganda

Cost Sharing Intervention Between National Agricultural Advisory Services and Farmers in Uganda (Jan 23)

The Ugandan government through the National Agricultural Advisory Services has unveiled a cost sharing intervention for farmers mostly dealing in avocados and macadamia nuts. The initiative is aimed at boosting the production of these products considered as high value crops in the country. Avocado and macadamia production and exports in Uganda are still low and has significant potential to grow. In 2021, Uganda's avocado exports was USD 5.06M while macadamia was USD 6.17K, which is far below neighboring countries in the region such as Kenya and Tanzania.

Digitization of Sanitary and Phytosanitary Standards in Uganda as Horticulture Exports Increase (Jan 25)

The Ugandan Ministry of Agriculture is digitizing its sanitary and phytosanitary standards as horticulture exports are increasing. The current inspection process is highly manual which creates challenges that include the inability of the regulatory bodies to store and review inspection records, delayed inspections caused by detailed paper requirements and documentation, and a lack of proper data analysis. Uganda has seen a steady increase in horticulture exports, especially during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. Major Ugandan horticultural exports are to neighboring countries, including Kenya, South Sudan, and DRC. The EU and the UK are also big importers of Ugandan horticulture, mainly consisting of chilies, green bananas, avocados, eggplants, and sweet potatoes.

United States

High Avocado Supply in the United States During W4 (Jan 28)

The United States received a high supply of avocados in W4 in preparation for the Super Bowl. Wholesalers have been trying to keep prices low, with the market seeing 40/48s calibers sold as low as USD 20-21 per 30 lbs cases. More avocados are forecasted to arrive in the McAllen market in W5, which can make prices drop lower.