The 2011-2012 avocado campaign has ended with a total production of 40,000 tons with over 70% concentrated in Málaga province and the Axaequia in particular.
Production is similar to two seasons ago when the harvest was 42,000 tons but 38% down on last year’s historic record of 64,000 tons. However, ASAJA (Association of Young Farmers) is pleased with production because it exceeds the average levels.
Production was affected this year by the several periods of Siberian cold whistling through the Axarquia, reducing it by about 2,000 tons altogether.
Average prices for green-skinned avocados have been around €0.85 and €1.45 for the Hass variety. Around 30,000 tons of avocados have been exported, with 28,000 tons of Hass and 2,000 tons of the green-skinned variety destined for the EU.
Peru, South Africa and Israel are now commercial rivals and this year Israel once more exported more avocados to the EU than Spain, some 44,000 tons in total.