Cusco-based grower Agrícola Matilda plans to export 15 containers of Hass avocados to the European Union this year, thanks to a a strategic alliance with Israeli company Mehadrin Tnuport Export and support from government entity Sierra Exportadora, website Andina.com.pe reported.

The first 20-metric ton (MT) container is expected to leave the port of Callao near Lima today, with shipments going until mid-April to reach a total of 300MT, according to Sierra Exportadora executive president Alfonso Velásquez Tuesta.

He said in future the company would make the most of a relatively open market for Hass avocados in Europe from December to March, when better prices could generally be achieved, the story reported.

"In these months there are favorable conditions like temperature, moisture, and a lower incidence of pests and diseases," Velásquez Tuesta was quoted as saying.

The first 20MT were transported from Cusco to Ica, where they were packed by the company Sun Fruits, and from the port of Callao it would take 23 days to get to Europe.

Agrícola Matilda grows on 52 hectares of land at 2,200 meters (7,217) above sea level, has been supported by Sierra Exportadora with technical assistance and will soon obtain GlobalG.A.P. certification.

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