Mexico's avocado exports to the U.S. rose 8% year-on-year to 310,000 metric tons (MT) during June and July.

Michoacán Association of Producers and Packer Exporters (APEAM) director Emiliano Escobedo, has told www.freshfruitportal.com the economic crisis in the U.S. has not affected the price of the fruit, with both higher demand and supply in the market.

"In the U.S. avocado sales at the retail level have grown at a more rapid pace than the total of fruit and vegetables," he says.

"An important factor that impacts consumption of this fruit is quality. If the product is of good quality, the consumer will be willing to buy it one or more times."

In terms of competition, Escobedo says California has had a shorter season while Chile is set to send more avocadoes than last year.

"If all the countries send good quality fruit without saturating the market, this year could be very lucrative for all exporters of the fruit to the U.S.," he says.

He says approval for Peruvian avocadoes without cold treatment in the U.S. has not affected demand for Mexican avocadoes, as the Peruvian window coincides with Californian supply.

Escobedo says the quality of Mexico's avocadoes this year is excellent, with exporters controlling the product at a level 'without precedent'.

Mexico's avocado shipments so far have had more than 24% dry material on average with a similar size to the previous season.

www.freshfruitportal.com