Chile’s avocado industry is now expected to see a huge increase in production in 2021-22 compared with the previous campaign after several years of limited or negative growth.
It is estimated that 220,000 metric tons (MT) of avocados will be produced this year, which is 57 per cent more than last year. Reported by Chilean Avocado Committee.
In previous years, frosts and droughts had negatively impacted production. Improved weather conditions and good fruit sets this year have contributed to the increase.
The Committee predicts that 120,000MT of the total production will be exported, compared with 74,000MT last season. The main destination of Chile’s avocado exports remains Western Europe, where 75 per cent went last year.
100,000MT of the remaining production is expected to be sold domestically.
The Chilean Avocado Committee’s Executive Director Francisco Contardo said: “As an association we feel positively about the projections for this new season, considering that we will have an increase in production of 57% despite the difficulties imposed by the pandemic in terms of mobility restrictions and workers”.
“Looking ahead, we hope to consolidate the presence of Chilean avocado in our destination markets and continue supplying the local consumer with a product recognized for its high nutritional value”.
