Avocado monthly review: March 2020

The overall Hass supply had a big shortfall, down by 21 % on 2019. This fall was caused by a reduction in incoming shipments from the winter origins. The Chilean and Israeli seasons ended with smaller volumes than in 2019, at - 12 % and - 5 % respectively. Furthermore, Colombian and Spanish volumes also saw a decrease, to lower levels than in 2019. Mexico was practically off the scene in March. Peruvian and South African volumes, although much greater than in 2019, were unable to offset the decline from the winter origins. Regarding demand, thanks to the programmes, sales to supermarkets remained fluid. However, on the spot market, stocks accumulated due to the anti-pandemic health measures implemented (lockdown, closure of open-air markets, etc.). They were particularly abundant in Northern Europe, dragging prices down steeply. For the first time this year, prices dropped to 10 % below average!

On the green varieties market, the decrease from the winter origins was offset by the arrival of the summer origins (Peru and South Africa), which made headway. Hence the overall supply was relatively stable. However, because of the health crisis, sales slowed down greatly, especially in Italy and Eastern Europe. Stocks formed, and from week 13, prices started to drop.

avocado - france - import price march 2020