The avocado season is set to be positive for Axarfruit. The company’s initial estimates point to growth of between 5% and 10% in avocado volume, within a market environment under pressure from the extended campaigns of third countries and intense international competition. This is explained to Fruit Today by Vicente Martínez, commercial director of the company, who places Spanish Hass avocado production at around 100 million kilos at origin, with quality described as very good.
According to Martínez, the European market experienced an unusual situation at the start of the season due to the greater presence of South American product, especially from Peru, whose campaign has been extended. This circumstance delayed the entry of other origins such as Chile (which continues to hold weight in the market), Morocco and Spain, generating a scenario of oversupply due to the overlap of several producing countries.
In this context, Axarfruit focuses mainly on Hass avocado, which represents around 98% of its volume, while other varieties such as Bacon have a residual presence. The company notes that the Bacon variety “has been losing prominence due to its lower profitability compared to Hass”.
New airfreighted mango line
Among its new developments, Axarfruit is launching a new airfreighted mango line from different origins, aimed at a segment that values fruit maturity. After closing a satisfactory domestic campaign, with good product quality and some oversupply of Osteen, the company began operations with Brazil (Palmer) and later with Peru, from where it also imports ginger and turmeric.
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In mango, “we see a certain trend towards Keitt, as it offers guarantees of quality and volume in the late season and allows the season to be extended,” Martínez points out.
Fresh cut and ready-to-eat
Alongside its fresh range, the company continues to develop its fresh cut and ready-to-eat lines, mainly focused on the production of guacamole and other products such as Avocheese (with goat’s cheese) and spreadable avocado, which has just been launched onto the market.
