An increasing number of avocado growers in the Axarquía are approaching security companies to obtain quotes to hire staff due to the rising number of thefts from their fields – in one case, over 1,000 kilos of fruit has been stolen with a value of some €2,500. Growers attribute the problem to high prices and have also asked police to check street markets and monitor fields at night using helicopters.
Reports say that ones are not just helping themselves to the so called ‘superfood’ but apparently gathering bags of them to sell on and make a large profit. Avocado’s are known for its many nutrients have been recommended as part of a balanced diet to prevent high cholesterol due to its oleic acid and linoleic and appear to be gaining more popularity.
According to one source, Spain is the single largest producer of avocados in Europe with a large proportion of the crop produced along the Mediterranean coast from Granada to Malaga. They are commonly seen growing in and around Nerja and although supermarkets occasionally have them on offer, one can often find the valued avocado at local markets for a bargain.
