The Peruvian Hass Avocado Producers Association (Prohass) predicts exports will rise by around 30% to 90,000 metric tons (MT) in 2012, website Agraria.pe reported.

The expected boost is largely due to the opening of U.S. market access without cold treatment, which was approved in July last year.

Prohass president Arturo Medina told the website an export value estimate could not be made at this stage.

"Last year was very good for returns. It's difficult to know if we can reach the same (returns), and we also have to add the subject that we will have a higher volume," he was quoted as saying.

However, Promperú agro-industry chief William Arteaga told the website the industry would likely hit US$190 million in shipments thanks to U.S. access, which would represent a rise of 5.6%.

Earlier U.S. entry in 2012

Medina adds that in 2011 the industry was able to ship 436 containers to the U.S. last year in August, but this year the industry will be able to enter the market in April or May.

He estimates that 90,000MT will be shipped to the U.S. in 2012, which is the equivalent of 2,000 containers.

In 2011 the industry sent 86% of its shipments to Europe with the Netherlands as the main destination, from where 70% of the product was re-exported to other countries.

Related story: The Hass-Horn: strong fundamentals for avocado growth in North America

Photo: Camposol

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