Peruvian avocadoes will now be able to enter the U.S. without cold treatment following approval from the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), website Andina.com.pe reported.

APHIS made the decision after confirming the South American nation was not a host of the fruit fly, which will now mean a significant cost reduction for Peruvian exporters and better quality fruit, the story reported.

The announcement was made by outgoing Peruvian Ambassador in Washington Luis Valdivieso.

"We've got excellent news for all avocado growers in Peru and it's that their avocadoes will be able to enter without quarantine treatment," Valdivieso was quoted as saying.

He said cold treatment deteriorated fruit quality, while removing the measures would also significantly reduce export costs for the industry.

South African Avocado Growers’ Association CEO Derek Donkin recently told www.freshfruitportal.com that his country had been waiting for Peru to gain U.S. approval to ease pressure on European markets.

Peru currently has around 5,000 hectares of avocado plantations.

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Photo: Agraria

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