Avocado industry expects bumper year

Remaining competitive in the face of major challenges such as Citrus Black Spot (CBS) will be important in the perishable sector in the coming months and years – especially in light of volumes to certain markets coming under pressure. According to John MacDonald, Safmarine southern Africa reefer manager, while CBS remains the biggest immediate problem for the industry, much is being achieved on this front thanks to the work of organisations such as the Citrus Growers’ Association. “We definitely seem to be on the right track as an industry to limit the damage in the European Union,” he said. “But another challenge that we see looming is how we as a country can remain globally competitive. Especially against nations who can produce in similar seasonal windows to us.” He said while there had been strong volume growth in certain markets it had not been a great year for overall growth as an industry thus far. “The Middle East has taken strong volumes this year – and if you are looking at an industry sector, the avocado industry is expecting one of its biggest years to date with 2-3 million more cartons exported than the 2013 season. This will give them almost 15 million cartons this year.” MacDonald said that grape and apple volumes, however, were down while pear and avocado volumes had grown. “We will have to wait to see how the citrus season pans out but exports will probably be down on last year with a number of players not being able to export due to CBS,” he said. INSERT & CAPTION Citrus exports will probably be down on last year with a number of players not being able to export due to CBS. – John MacDonald