Peruvian avocado industry ‘stands up’ for sustainability

What’s in store for the 2023 Peruvian avocado season and what does the Peruvian avocado industry want retailers to know about its super fruit?

To find out The Packer recently connected with Juan Paredes, president of the Association of Hass Avocado Producers of Peru (ProHass) and managing director of Agricola Pampa Baja S.A.C.

The Packer: How is this Peruvian avocado season looking in terms of quality and supplies?

Paredes: The season, in general through week 22, shows big growth — mainly to destinations in Asia and Europe. But for the remainder of the season, we expect more modest growth with the same volume from now on compared to last season to all destinations.

Quality at the beginning — due to El Niño rains — suffered a little, but now arrivals to Europe and other destinations are showing great eating and cosmetic quality.

Shipments to the U.S. will not reach the preseason estimate nor 2022 numbers. Initial projection from ProHass showed 330 million pounds and the updated projection is 240 million pounds, which represents an adjustment [down] of 27%.

I understand that new plantings of avocado trees in Peru waned last year. Has new planting resumed?

The planting of new trees was stagnant this year, with no new plantings executed or planned. Farming costs, especially hand labor and fertilizers, have surged, making new plantings cost-prohibitive for growers.

What do you see as the biggest challenges facing the Peruvian avocado industry, and where are the greatest opportunities?

The biggest challenge is going to be El Niño, which is projected for the end of 2023. Farmers need to take the necessary steps in the field to harvest quickly, let the trees rest and have the flowering at its appropriate time and with enough energy not to turn next season into an off-season for Peru.

The greatest opportunity for Peruvian avocados is to market its sustainability as an industry. Compared to other origins, Peru stands up for being responsible, sustainable and a source of development for the Peruvian society in general.

As chairman of ProHass, what is one of your top priorities or initiatives for furthering the Peruvian avocado industry?

Our main concern is to have the best quality for the different markets we serve. The origin must be recognized for its excellence in flavor, taste and appearance. That’s something at ProHass that we are very focused on — promoting and leading this excellence between our associates and growers.

Peru has 150,000 acres of avocados, and one-third of that comes from small growers with between 1 and 5 acres each.

What do you want U.S. retailers and consumers to know about avocados from Peru?

During the months of the summer, the avocados from Peru will always come with the best value proposal for the U.S. customer. We have the best freshest fruit with the best flavor and quality, accompanied with the best price any consumer will find in the U.S. market.